Noah Lowry Appreciation Thread
by Grant on May 20, 2009 1:21 PM PDT
178 comments
Think back to the days before Tim Lincecum. Back to the days when Matt Cain was still a teenager. There was a time when it wasn’t a foregone conclusion that the Giants were going to spit out healthy and productive young pitchers. Back before the dimensional gate of suck opened over 24 Willie Mays Plaza. Noah Lowry came out of this era. And, lo, he was exciting.
Lowry was a first-round pick, sure, but it was in the latter half of the round, and his minor league career was solid, not spectacular. So when he came up and started striking folks out with a beautiful changeup, it was a fantastic surprise. At the risk of repeating myself – and at the risk of repeating myself, too – this was the magical game that made everyone giddy. Nine innings, nine strikeouts, three hits in just his fourth major league start. What if the Giants had a young pitcher who actually lived up to his promise? Why, maybe they could build on those 91 wins from 2004!
(An aside: Hey, do you know who on that 2004 team would have made a good middle-of-the-order hitter on this year’s team? Everybody. It’s kind of funny that a catcher with a .729 OPS used to be our biggest lineup concern. Well, before they dumped the .232/.276/.295-hitting Neifi Perez, who was probably the difference between winning the division and watching man-buzzard Steve Finley hit a grand slam off Wayne Freaking Franklin. But I digress.)
And, well, the Giants built on the 2004 season, but the blueprints were for an outhouse. But that wasn’t Lowry’s fault. He pitched 200 really good innings in 2005, and in April of 2006, he signed a four-year extension. The Giants had a cheap pitcher locked up, and Lowry had financial security in case something went wrong. You know, just in case. He was a young pitcher, after all. Not that anything was going to happen. It’s not like doctors were just going to randomly cut him open to solve some sort of mystery injury, removing ribs if all else failed with the first 15 surgeries.
Sigh.
It’s almost certain that Lowry’s Giants career is over, even if he pitches again. His agent is claiming that the Giants botched the diagnosis, which makes it sound like Brian Sabean went on WebMD for a few minutes before sending Mike Murphy into the clubhouse with a roofie and a penknife. The Giants claim that they "never performed any medically inappropriate procedures on Lowry." This is probably going to get uglier before it gets prettier, so let’s just take a moment to appreciate what Lowry did as a Giant:
- Three years of 150+ innings, including two with an ERA+ of 113
- Dude could hit.
- He was responsible for 5,023,140 separate trade-related comments, culminating in the Lowry-for-Milledge rumor, which probably would have left both teams sad.
- Did I mention that Reds game from ’04? That was one of my all-time favorite games, for sure.
It’s a shame that Lowry was never able to get healthy, so this here is an Open Noah Lowry Appreciation Thread. Best of luck, Noah, even if a small part of me is still hoping you get healthy for the Giants.
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Adoptive parent of Noah Lowry. Because he was awesome once, and, goddammit, he shall be awesome once again!
I hope.
by Cookyman on May 20, 2009 1:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I still like this.
It's my blarg! Quick Pitch
by can of corn on May 20, 2009 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I loved Noah Lowry. He was magical in August (12-1, 3.17 ERA, 1.180 WHIP). Plus he could swing a mean stick. He probably could hit cleanup for us right now.
Judgment Day is coming
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by Natto on May 20, 2009 1:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
And play right field!
Meet my new son: Sundrendy Windster, coming soon to a minor league near you.
by EliminateMe on May 20, 2009 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol wtf
So what’s the wild Lowry’s moveset? I assume he knows Fling.
"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 May 20, 2009 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I made it back when Lowry had “shiny” trade value.
Judgment Day is coming
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by Natto on May 20, 2009 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lowry@Life Orb
4 HP/252 Atk/252 Spd
Natural Gift
Fling
Recover
Return
BTW – Life Orb is an item that hurts you every time you attack, but increases attack power. I think it’s rather apt, as are the order of those attacks.
by quincy0191 on May 20, 2009 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
love it
He was never a hard thrower so the Power Band wouldn’t help him as much.
What’s his ability?
"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 May 20, 2009 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
After careful consideration, I’m going with Pressure (and it’s certainly not Sturdy, Natural Cure, or Clear Body)
And I dearly wish every single Giants player could have Super Luck.
by quincy0191 on May 20, 2009 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pressure is a good pick
Wonder Guard might be a good ability but it only lets super effective attacks hit. Would that be a pitcher who does nothing but give up home runs?
"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 May 20, 2009 6:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
See Wonder Guard doesn’t really translate, but Super Luck=BABIP: 1.000, HR/FB: 0.00, etc. And that would be fun.
by quincy0191 on May 20, 2009 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I gave a Life Orb to my Garchomp. She’s awesome.
Judgment Day is coming
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by Natto on May 20, 2009 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yachechomp FTW. I managed to get a Jolly Garchomp with a perfect speed IV. 333 Speed kicks so much ass.
by quincy0191 on May 20, 2009 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You all make me feel old, and I'm probably younger than you are.
I never played Pokemon past the Red and Blue versions.
Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all
If Dustin Pedroia played in Seattle, not many people would be talking about him.
by baetown415 on May 20, 2009 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
nah we're just being geeks
"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 May 20, 2009 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve never played but my teenage nephew has played all of them.
by SFGuy on May 21, 2009 1:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now that I think about it, a good number of games I attended from ‘04-’07 had Lowry as the starting pitcher. At least I got to see him in person a lot.
Judgment Day is coming
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by Natto on May 20, 2009 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Definitely a personal favorite. Even later on, when people were freaking out about strike out rates, the results were still usually pretty good.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that pie > cake, that Bochy is endowed by his creator with certain undeniable traits, that among these are veteran man-love, a gigantic skull, and the pursuit of the double switch.
Adopted Giant: Fred Lewis, who can still draw a walk.
by jcb9 on May 20, 2009 1:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think the strikeout rates (and his BB rates ballooned) were side effects of his arm falling off. So, it wasn’t a terrible thing to freak out about.
by xanthan on May 20, 2009 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, he lost almost 3 K’s per 9 innings between 2005 and 2006. That kind of thing doesn’t happen just like that, especially not to a 26 year old.
Adoptive parent of Noah Lowry. Because he was awesome once, and, goddammit, he shall be awesome once again!
I hope.
by Cookyman on May 20, 2009 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, yeah. I’m just saying, he still managed a sub-4.00 ERA in 2007. And even in 2006, his worst year, he managed a couple of really good months.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that pie > cake, that Bochy is endowed by his creator with certain undeniable traits, that among these are veteran man-love, a gigantic skull, and the pursuit of the double switch.
Adopted Giant: Fred Lewis, who can still draw a walk.
by jcb9 on May 20, 2009 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lowry’s 2007 was really, really weird. Probably one of the luckiest pitching seasons I can remeber in recent memory. He had WINZ but his peripherals were truly awful and his FIP said his ERA should have been closer to 4.89 than the 3.92 he ended up with.
He would have been nice to have even if he was a league average pitcher but health problems ended that notion.
by xanthan on May 20, 2009 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep.
I didn’t mean to say that his k rates weren’t worth freaking out about, or that he was a great pitcher that year. Just that, even then, the results ended up being pretty good.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that pie > cake, that Bochy is endowed by his creator with certain undeniable traits, that among these are veteran man-love, a gigantic skull, and the pursuit of the double switch.
Adopted Giant: Fred Lewis, who can still draw a walk.
by jcb9 on May 20, 2009 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, if he would have been a 90-100 ERA+ pitcher, the Giants would have taken it for sure.
by xanthan on May 20, 2009 2:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love Noah Lowry
His agent? Not so much. It feels weird hearing about someone criticizing the Giants and disagreeing, yet here I am.
Haven't been to The Examined Life? No wonder your life feels so empty.
"I been waitin' a long time for this! I been waitin' since the f**kin' amateurs!" --WILL "THE THRILL" CLARK
by Josh from Hollywood on May 20, 2009 1:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
He was a good pitcher, I really wish he was healthy enough to produce 110-120 ERA+ seasons through this year.
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, back with the big team!
by WalrusMan on May 20, 2009 1:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
How much do I appreciate Noah Lowry?
by EliminateMe on May 20, 2009 1:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The other guy….not so much.
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, back with the big team!
by WalrusMan on May 20, 2009 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Same here.
Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all
If Dustin Pedroia played in Seattle, not many people would be talking about him.
by baetown415 on May 20, 2009 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I remember being at one of his first starts for Game 2 of a DH @ Baltimore. Went into extras (again, like the 1st game) because the bullpen blew it, but it made for a pretty memorable and long day of baseball.
by GiantsTribe on May 20, 2009 1:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I remember that weekend. Bonds took Ponson deep the next day. I enjoyed that.
by ignition on May 20, 2009 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
When I let go of Noah Lowry I let go of the last big crush I had in baseball. It was time to grow up and act like SRS JRNLST. Plus we lost a pretty good pitcher when he was healthy.
Godspeed Noah Ryan Lowry. We loved you.
"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 May 20, 2009 1:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
My favorite part about Noah was the birthmark thingy. I remember going to a game he was starting and seeing a group of girls who had painted a mark under their eyes and called themselves “Noah’s Ninjas”.
I like cats.
by Norm Median on May 20, 2009 1:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
So, your favourite part about Noah was the group of girls?
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, back with the big team!
by WalrusMan on May 20, 2009 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and the eye/birthmark thingy. Oh and he was a pretty good pitcher, too.
I like cats.
by Norm Median on May 20, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dude, they were underaged.
Judgment Day is coming
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by Natto on May 20, 2009 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like that would stop WalrusMan.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that pie > cake, that Bochy is endowed by his creator with certain undeniable traits, that among these are veteran man-love, a gigantic skull, and the pursuit of the double switch.
Adopted Giant: Fred Lewis, who can still draw a walk.
by jcb9 on May 20, 2009 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Despite the rampant rumors, I am not a pedofile. Yet.
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, back with the big team!
by WalrusMan on May 20, 2009 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Note how he cleverly avoided whether or not he is a pedophile though.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
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by groug on May 20, 2009 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So what are you doing tonight?
Proud leader of the Lunatic Fringe breaking off from the Lunatic Fringe of McCovey Chronicles
by TexasRanger on May 20, 2009 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
NOTHING THE 14 YEAR OLDS AVOID ME NOW
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, back with the big team!
by WalrusMan on May 20, 2009 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Brian Wilson was looking for them a few weeks ago.
by paboperfecto on May 20, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Noah was awesome
Didnt wear his hat low enough though
Not so proud adoptive parent of the set-up man.
This is definitely not Howry do it!
by CB30 on May 20, 2009 1:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
On Fathers Day in 2004, I was at the game where Jason Schmidt 1 hit a ridiculously good Red Sox lineup. Towards the end of the game, some dipshit Red Sox fan (is there any other kind in the Bay Area? I don’t think so) gets pissed and says, “Well of COURSE the Giants are winning, their ace is going up against our #5 pitcher!” I laughed, and thought back to how just the day before, Lowry pitched 5.2 innings, gave up 1 run, and the Giants beat Pedro Martinez and the Red Sox 6-4. No win for Lowry, but I was really happy to see him control a really good lineup like that in his rookie year. So I appreciate Lowry making another Sox fan look like a total douchewad. Good times.
I was always a Lowry backer. I’ll miss you, guy.
I'm thinking but nothing's happening.
by JRPhillips on May 20, 2009 2:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That start was a big factor in me liking Noah.
"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 May 20, 2009 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol @ big papi trying to turn a single into a double in the 9th.
On 5/7, the best part of waking is up LOLDGERS in my cup.
by GameSix on May 20, 2009 7:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Towards the end of the game, some dipshit Red Sox fan (is there any other kind in the Bay Area? I don’t think so)
GO TO HELL
by SFGuy on May 21, 2009 1:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You just now noticed the red Sox hate here?
"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 May 21, 2009 6:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know you hate the Sox but at least you wouldn’t call us “dipshit” (at least outloud).
by SFGuy on May 21, 2009 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t say it out loud. I typed it.
I'm thinking but nothing's happening.
by JRPhillips on May 21, 2009 6:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And you sir, are a asshole douchebag. Must be a Raiders fan, too
by SFGuy on May 21, 2009 1:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Go back to Boston, transplant!
I'm thinking but nothing's happening.
by JRPhillips on May 21, 2009 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Born and raised in the Bay Area. Followed the Sox since 1978 with Jim Rice as my favorite player at the time.
by SFGuy on May 21, 2009 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
From the Bay Area, you root for the Red Sox, AND you practice baseball bigamy? Do you also torture small animals in your spare time?
I'm thinking but nothing's happening.
by JRPhillips on May 21, 2009 6:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It always sucks to see young players go through career threatening injuries, especially when they are Class Act guys like Noah. He was a budding star really, but opposing players, teams and fans never saw him as a threat (as he was soft spoken and kinda laid back)… so it kinda made him an underdog every time he went out and pitched, and every time, the opposing team and fans would say, “WOW, who the heck is that guy?”
by aBulldog on May 20, 2009 2:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Noah was awesome. He had that amazing streak in August of ’05 and I really thought he was headed toward being, if not the elite level of starters, the very next level. Dammit dammit dammit.
by non sequitur on May 20, 2009 2:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I went to a game he pitched against Houston that month. Kent came up in the first and hit a shot for a HR. That was the only hard hit ball that I remember. Lowry was awesome the rest of the game.
There was that game in Minn that he outdueled Santana also. Don’t remember which year. I remember Mike Redmond being quoted as saying that “that kid is a young Santana” or something like that.
/tears.
by WTF on May 20, 2009 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That makes me really sad.
Judgment Day is coming
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by Natto on May 20, 2009 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I remember that Houston series. I went to the other two games, including a great start by Tomko (!) although we blew a late lead and lost in Schmidt’s start. I watched Lowry’s start at home. Pornstache afterwards approvingly said that his Astros teammates had told him Lowry “had guts” as a pitcher, and he agreed even though Lowry had given up a HR to him.
Dammit dammit dammit.
by non sequitur on May 20, 2009 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good Giant, unfortunately injured.
Here’s Lowry’s Top 5 Game Score games:
1. (88) August 8th, 2004 vs. Cincinnati: 9 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 S0
2. (88) August 21st, 2006 vs. Arizona: 9 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 SO
3. (80) August 6th, 2005 vs. Houston: 7 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 8 SO
4. (79) September 22nd, 2004 vs. Houston: 9 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO
5. (79) August 22nd, 2005 vs. Philadelpia: 8.2 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 SO
Lot’s of August domination. The Game Score is in ()’s.
by xanthan on May 20, 2009 2:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
August Noah Lowry
had the potential to be as mystical as Sunday Tiger Woods….
For whatever reason, you always knew Noah was going to be lights out that month.
by sayheybk on May 20, 2009 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That game was on my birthday
I had a big juicy burrito, and watched the back to back to back homers. Lowry pitched a dream, too. Could be one of my favorite games ever, actually.
by DustyG on May 20, 2009 2:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I have this bad feeling that one day he is going to make a comeback with some crappy team like the Rockies and pitch a complete game shut out that keeps us out of the playoffs.
Wisconsin: Famous for dairy, Ryan Rohlinger and not much else.
by Scottsdale on May 20, 2009 2:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
this would not make me as sad as one might think.
STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.
by UnleashTheGore on May 20, 2009 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m with you. I’d love to see Noah come back strong and fulfill his potential, even if it is for another team. He was one of my favorite Giants.
Joe Martinez: My fingers are crossed and my palms are together for you.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on May 20, 2009 4:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bye Noah
I’m sad you couldn’t continue to be a good pitcher for the Giants due to health issues.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
Chatterbalks dot com: Still with jokes. Now with updates.
by groug on May 20, 2009 2:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I want him back
next year.
please?
Mischievously implosive purple pitching staff.
by SloIsLonelyForTheOrange on May 20, 2009 2:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I vividly recall this game, his first start of 2006. Noah was absolutely dealing through the first five outs, we all had visions of a 20-win Cy Young season in our heads, and then it came crashing down. After that day, he was never the same player—a pretty decent pitcher but not a dominant one.
Thanks, Noah, for what you brought to this team. I hope the rib surgery was successful enough for him to live a normal life, whether or not he continues his pro baseball career (with the Giants or some other team).
"Are we bad? No. But right now, we are." Boulderskull, 4.16.09
by Kitspool on May 20, 2009 2:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I went to that game, my first home opener.
"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 May 20, 2009 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was there, too. I was excited as I could be about Lowry’s hot start to the game. And then… It ended. I’m still disappointed about that game.
I'm thinking but nothing's happening.
by JRPhillips on May 20, 2009 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wheeeeew....
I din’t get banned…
That was a close one!!
~wake me up when they score some runs~
by HarshInFresno on May 20, 2009 2:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Another thing, I missed the changeup after he stopped throwing it - or throwing it as much as he once did. In ’04‘05 he was throwing it around 27-28% of the time and in ’07 it dropped all the way down to 18%. He started throwing his curve way more that season. I’m guessing it might have been a grip thing, since he was starting to have trouble with his hand at that time.
by xanthan on May 20, 2009 2:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
His changeup may have been my favorite of any Giants pitcher.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that pie > cake, that Bochy is endowed by his creator with certain undeniable traits, that among these are veteran man-love, a gigantic skull, and the pursuit of the double switch.
Adopted Giant: Fred Lewis, who can still draw a walk.
by jcb9 on May 20, 2009 2:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I asked a similar question on BCB (spam) of which Giants pitcher has had the best change? I can’t of anyone else besides Schmidt, Lowry, and now Lincecum. Schmidt’s change was awesome.
by xanthan on May 20, 2009 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cain has a good one.
Adoptive parent of Noah Lowry. Because he was awesome once, and, goddammit, he shall be awesome once again!
I hope.
by Cookyman on May 20, 2009 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, he’s made some nice progress with the pitch too. When he came up, he was mostly a FB/CB pitcher.
by xanthan on May 20, 2009 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I could probably come up with a couple more if I gave it some thought. It’s not a really obvious thing like a curveball, though. I used to LOVE Shawn Estes’s curveball. It was such a pretty pitch. One more reason why Estes’s fate still makes me sad.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that pie > cake, that Bochy is endowed by his creator with certain undeniable traits, that among these are veteran man-love, a gigantic skull, and the pursuit of the double switch.
Adopted Giant: Fred Lewis, who can still draw a walk.
by jcb9 on May 20, 2009 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, Russ Ortiz had a pretty good changeup, as I recall. Y’know, back when he was a competent pitcher.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that pie > cake, that Bochy is endowed by his creator with certain undeniable traits, that among these are veteran man-love, a gigantic skull, and the pursuit of the double switch.
Adopted Giant: Fred Lewis, who can still draw a walk.
by jcb9 on May 20, 2009 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know, I seem to recall that in ’05, when Matheny came on board, he tried to get Lowry to throw the curve much more often, presumably to give opposing batters something else to think about other than the change.
by non sequitur on May 20, 2009 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If so, it was a pretty bad idea. Thanks to new pitch-type linear weights on FanGraph’s, we can see that Lowry’s changeup was a really good pitch for him in 2004-2005. Additionally, Lowry really didn’t make the switch to the curve until 2006.
Run Values for Lowry’s changeup per 100 pitches:
2004: +2.06 runs (thrown 27.3% of the time)
2005: +1.66 runs (26.8%)
2006: -1.55 runs (22.7%)
2007: +0.96 runs (18.7%)
He lost a feel for the pitch in 2006 and it was never the same. But, when he had the change, it was his best pitch.
by xanthan on May 20, 2009 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, looking at his BIS pitch data, it looks like he really switched to a slider in 2007. He threw the slider 23.6% of the time that year after a career high slider usage of 13% in 2005. In 2006, he threw the curve 13.1% of the time, which was the most he had ever used it before.
by xanthan on May 20, 2009 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, ’06 then. And whichever year it was, I recall Matheny later saying he regretted “forcing” Lowry to rely on his change less.
I don’t even remember Lowry’s slider.
by non sequitur on May 20, 2009 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was just so dirty, the way it disappeared like a devastating splitter.
Joe Martinez: My fingers are crossed and my palms are together for you.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on May 20, 2009 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hear the next homestand...
They’ll be promoting Noah Lowery Bobble Rib Night!!!!
ok…… I’ll stop now!!
~wake me up when they score some runs~
by HarshInFresno on May 20, 2009 2:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Meet my new son: Sundrendy Windster, coming soon to a minor league near you.
by EliminateMe on May 20, 2009 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
:(
it’s just really sad. Can’t think of much more to say. :(
Extremely proud adoptive parent of Paul E. Stanley, hacker extraordinaire
Thanks to roger
I've never been happier to have Crabs
by bondslegend on May 20, 2009 2:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Sad about this. Wish Noah could’ve been part of the next Giants playoff team (provided there is one in my lifetime).
As with everything else, I blame Sabean.
Why couldn't McCovey have hit the ball just three feet higher??
by tobias on May 20, 2009 2:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I blame Grant.
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
by Natto on May 20, 2009 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I blame STATS.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that pie > cake, that Bochy is endowed by his creator with certain undeniable traits, that among these are veteran man-love, a gigantic skull, and the pursuit of the double switch.
Adopted Giant: Fred Lewis, who can still draw a walk.
by jcb9 on May 20, 2009 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I blame Juan Uribe.
Still in despair.
BRING BACK MARMOL!
konakona:「つかさに教われと...なんか非常に負けたような気がする。」
Shun Kakazu: MOAR JAPANESE PROSPECTS PLZ
by Zetsuboushita on May 20, 2009 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
YOU KNEW THIS WAS COMING
Still in despair.
BRING BACK MARMOL!
konakona:「つかさに教われと...なんか非常に負けたような気がする。」
Shun Kakazu: MOAR JAPANESE PROSPECTS PLZ
by Zetsuboushita on May 20, 2009 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I blame Jose Uribe
His death came right at the time when Lowry was showing signs of falling apart. Coincidence? I THINK NOT.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that pie > cake, that Bochy is endowed by his creator with certain undeniable traits, that among these are veteran man-love, a gigantic skull, and the pursuit of the double switch.
Adopted Giant: Fred Lewis, who can still draw a walk.
by jcb9 on May 20, 2009 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I went to a game he started at Dodger Stadium against Derek Lowe and I remember him pitching decently enough to get the win but not he exact numbers. It was a Giants blowout and Noah took Derek Fucking Ground Ball Lowe yard, it made my year its the only thing I remember from that game and it still makes me happy. I bring it up almost every time someone mentions Lowe.
“He’s good? Oh yeah well I saw a soft tossing lefty take him deep! Take that Lowe lovers.”
Proud leader of the Lunatic Fringe breaking off from the Lunatic Fringe of McCovey Chronicles
by TexasRanger on May 20, 2009 3:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
During the series against the Yanks in '07
IIRC Lowry was facing A-Rod with the bases loaded and no outs. Pretty epic at-bat, A-Rod worked the count full and fouled off like 10 pitches before Lowry finally got him to ground into a double play. A run scored anyway, but it could have been much much worse. That was Lowry’s ’07 in a nutshell: let everyone get on base and magically wiggle his way out of it. And that day he did it against the best hitter in baseball, it was pretty awesome.
Zitoは遅い球のマスターである。 少なくとも今のところ。
Fan of the Kung-Fu Pandaval, even at the hot corner
by jordanovich on May 20, 2009 3:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I was at that game! It was pretty awesome.
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
by Natto on May 20, 2009 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t have to worry because ’07 Lowry could always pitch out of a jam. I loved when he hit homers and covered right. Good pick.
by HowAboutNow on May 20, 2009 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dammitall. Shitweasels. Bloody bloody bloody hell’s teeth.
Still backing Notgardo, wheresoever he may wander. (Don't forget to wriiiite!)
by tk on May 20, 2009 3:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
seconded.
Where is my beer & chili dog?
by daveinexile on May 21, 2009 8:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Biggest wish, Selfish division
I hope he gets the right surgery, it works perfectly as hoped, and he comes back to the Giants (clears waivers? we offer him arbitration and pay the undoubtedly reasonable price?), and does well.
Biggest wish, Unselfish division:
Noah’s surgery resolves everything, and he goes on to a happy life that never involves defeating the Giants.
Only other wish: his agent pipes down.
Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit... Maybe.
by Mayor of 311 on May 20, 2009 3:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I’ll miss your Perma-Black Eye, Mr. Lowry!
Original member of the Van Buren Boys
by NuschlerFace on May 20, 2009 3:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I hope Noah comes back to baseball...
Even if it’s not with the Giants.
by AmorVincitOmnia on May 20, 2009 3:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
What if it’s with the Dodgers?
Original member of the Van Buren Boys
by NuschlerFace on May 20, 2009 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tonights lineup
CF Rowand
SS Frandsen
3B Sandoval
C Molina
RF Winn
LF Lewis
1B Ishikawa
2B Burriss
P Sanchez
by superk1ng on May 20, 2009 3:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
lol wut
GROUGTHINK ALERT
Chatterbalks dot com: Still with jokes. Now with updates.
by groug on May 20, 2009 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t even be angry or befuddled anymore. I’m at the point where it’s just funny to me.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
Chatterbalks dot com: Still with jokes. Now with updates.
by groug on May 20, 2009 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
THE FUCK?!?!?!
Extremely proud adoptive parent of Paul E. Stanley, hacker extraordinaire
Thanks to roger
I've never been happier to have Crabs
by bondslegend on May 20, 2009 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
IT'S NOT THAT HARD GUYS!!!
Joe Martinez: My fingers are crossed and my palms are together for you.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on May 20, 2009 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
……………
"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 May 20, 2009 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Help
(What’s the big deal? I’m so out of the loop)
Still backing Notgardo, wheresoever he may wander. (Don't forget to wriiiite!)
by tk on May 20, 2009 6:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aaron Rowand is hitting leadoff
We feel that this is a bad move.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
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by groug on May 20, 2009 6:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
OH MY GOD WHAT IS THIS FUCK.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that pie > cake, that Bochy is endowed by his creator with certain undeniable traits, that among these are veteran man-love, a gigantic skull, and the pursuit of the double switch.
Adopted Giant: Fred Lewis, who can still draw a walk.
by jcb9 on May 20, 2009 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So it looks like we were both wrong
I gave rational reasons that Bochy might have batted Burriss leadoff for that one game. When Velez was leading off yesterday, you concluded that he just liked SPEED.
The truth is that Bochy just likes doing random shit with his lineup. The end.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
Chatterbalks dot com: Still with jokes. Now with updates.
by groug on May 20, 2009 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The craziest thing is that we have TWO guys who’re perfectly good leadoff hitters.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that pie > cake, that Bochy is endowed by his creator with certain undeniable traits, that among these are veteran man-love, a gigantic skull, and the pursuit of the double switch.
Adopted Giant: Fred Lewis, who can still draw a walk.
by jcb9 on May 20, 2009 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please be a typo.
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
by Natto on May 20, 2009 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is this shit out of a hat?
Original member of the Van Buren Boys
by NuschlerFace on May 20, 2009 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Throwing shit against the wall and hoping something sticks.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that pie > cake, that Bochy is endowed by his creator with certain undeniable traits, that among these are veteran man-love, a gigantic skull, and the pursuit of the double switch.
Adopted Giant: Fred Lewis, who can still draw a walk.
by jcb9 on May 20, 2009 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
DUHYUYUYUYUYUH…
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, back with the big team!
by WalrusMan on May 20, 2009 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
COOL! Someone is finally testing the theory that it truly doesn't matter what the batting order is.
Lots of stats people talk about this, but no manager ever has the balls (and/or insanity) to try it in reality. As a laboratory experiment, the only difference I would offer is to swap Molina & Sanchez in the order.
Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit... Maybe.
by Mayor of 311 on May 20, 2009 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fi-urr Bochy! CLAP CLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP! Fi-urr Bochy! CLAP CLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP!
Joe Martinez: My fingers are crossed and my palms are together for you.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on May 20, 2009 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh good God. Why? Why is Rowand leading off? There is absolutely nothing about his offensive game that would make him a good lead-off hitter. And why is Ishikawa in front of Burriss? And Frandsen in front of Winn and Lewis. This line-up is pooparific.
Joe Martinez: My fingers are crossed and my palms are together for you.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on May 20, 2009 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know what it MUST be?
If Rowand is batting leadoff, then he can’t GIDP. That is THE ONLY FUCKING RATIONAL EXPLANTION. I tend to think the lineup doesn’t matter all that much, but if you’re batting leadoff then you get the first opportunity at extra ABs, and WHY would we want to see more of Rowand? WTF BRUCE
Extremely proud adoptive parent of Paul E. Stanley, hacker extraordinaire
Thanks to roger
I've never been happier to have Crabs
by bondslegend on May 20, 2009 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
GRIT IN THE 1 AND 2 HOLE
Not so proud adoptive parent of the set-up man.
This is definitely not Howry do it!
by CB30 on May 20, 2009 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oww….
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, back with the big team!
by WalrusMan on May 20, 2009 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
shulman
Still defending Rich Aurilia, and the Niners' classic unis
by wjackalope on May 20, 2009 6:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So…because leadoff hitters have been shitty all year he’s putting a guy who was already shitty there?
Double negatives: not just for grammar nerds and people who like multiplication anymore!
GROUGTHINK ALERT
Chatterbalks dot com: Still with jokes. Now with updates.
by groug on May 20, 2009 6:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess I should have said “the english language” instead of “grammar nerds”
GROUGTHINK ALERT
Chatterbalks dot com: Still with jokes. Now with updates.
by groug on May 20, 2009 6:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still remember seeing Noah Lowry live for the first time
he outdueled some Padre Marquez guy
http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SFN/SFN200406190.shtml
by kingofthacove on May 20, 2009 4:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Lowry’s life couldn’t have been that bad before that game.
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
by Natto on May 20, 2009 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know what would be funny?
Bengie leading off.
by AmorVincitOmnia on May 20, 2009 4:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That’s tomorrow night.
Ron Wotus for Manager or Roberto Kelly.
Billy Ripken is still a douche bag.
by kbsofaraway08 on May 20, 2009 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I also think Bochey needs to work Bill Hayes into the line up sometime soon.
Ron Wotus for Manager or Roberto Kelly.
Billy Ripken is still a douche bag.
by kbsofaraway08 on May 20, 2009 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
1) Bengie Molina C
2) Emmanuel Burriss 2B
3) Tim Lincecum P
4) Eugenio Velez SS
5) Rich Aurilia 1B
6) Aaron Rowand CF
7) Randy Winn RF
8) Fred Lewis LF
9) Pablo Sandoval 3B
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that pie > cake, that Bochy is endowed by his creator with certain undeniable traits, that among these are veteran man-love, a gigantic skull, and the pursuit of the double switch.
Adopted Giant: Fred Lewis, who can still draw a walk.
by jcb9 on May 20, 2009 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
OMG!!! MY EYES!!! I"VE GONE BLIND !!!
/please don’t ever do that again.
"One percent of ballplayers are leaders of men. The other ninety-nine percent are followers of women."-John McGraw, NY Giants Baseball Club
My adopted son Matt Downs . Ranked as the 24th best prospect in the Giants farm system by Baseball America !!
by nvsfg on May 20, 2009 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Worked for the Rays!
Extremely proud adoptive parent of Paul E. Stanley, hacker extraordinaire
Thanks to roger
I've never been happier to have Crabs
by bondslegend on May 20, 2009 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least Lincecum is pitching.
Ron Wotus for Manager or Roberto Kelly.
Billy Ripken is still a douche bag.
by kbsofaraway08 on May 20, 2009 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Timmy can hit a little bit.
"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 May 20, 2009 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rowand hitting 6th?
That’s absurd, swap with Manny and he’ll see some good pitches hitting in the 2nd slot before slugging Lincecum.
Mo'ped Money, Mo'ped Problems
by Scooter Ellis on May 20, 2009 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's missing something...
…Pedro Feliz, Catcher!!!
Meet my new son: Sundrendy Windster, coming soon to a minor league near you.
by EliminateMe on May 20, 2009 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
D-Backs pitcher's wife found dead.
D-Backs pitcher’s wife found dead. Sad News here.
http://www.azsnakepit.com/2009/5/20/881651/scott-schoeneweiss-wife-found-dead
Ron Wotus for Manager or Roberto Kelly.
Billy Ripken is still a douche bag.
by kbsofaraway08 on May 20, 2009 4:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
wow, um that is horrible
Extremely proud adoptive parent of Paul E. Stanley, hacker extraordinaire
Thanks to roger
I've never been happier to have Crabs
by bondslegend on May 20, 2009 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dang.
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
by Natto on May 20, 2009 4:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
wtf
"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 May 20, 2009 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
.
Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all
If Dustin Pedroia played in Seattle, not many people would be talking about him.
by baetown415 on May 20, 2009 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eff. That’s terrible.
Joe Martinez: My fingers are crossed and my palms are together for you.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on May 20, 2009 6:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I definitely appreciated what Lowry had done for the Giants and it is sad to see injuries possibly end his career prematurely. This news would have sting even more had the Giants not currently have a glut of young promising pitchers in Timmy, Matt, Mildly Unclean Sanchez (MUS), MadBum and the other Timmy.
Also, it’s nice to see Timmy, Matt and MUS are all injury-free thus far in their early careers. Throw in Mr. Every Fifth Day Zito and the staff looks to be very healthy.
Mo'ped Money, Mo'ped Problems
by Scooter Ellis on May 20, 2009 5:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
/knocks on wood
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
by Natto on May 20, 2009 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
TWSS
Mo'ped Money, Mo'ped Problems
by Scooter Ellis on May 20, 2009 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
once again
Lowry was a good giant and if he’s gone he’ll be missed. Thanks for everything Noah
Still defending Rich Aurilia, and the Niners' classic unis
by wjackalope on May 20, 2009 6:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks Noah
There were those games of great promise. It’s such a shame that injuries did what they did.
I have three baseballs signed by Giants pitchers:
Jesse Foppert
Noah Lowry
Tim Lincecum
May the last one reign forever.
"[Greg] Vaughn is in a funk so deep, George Clinton wearing a miner's helmet couldn't find him."
- Jim Baker, ESPN.com, May 2002
by achiappanza on May 20, 2009 7:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
~sigh~
~wake me up when they score some runs~
by HarshInFresno on May 21, 2009 5:53 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Number in the logo
Hey, is that 34 in the site logo a new tribute to Noah, or have I just not noticed it before?
"[Greg] Vaughn is in a funk so deep, George Clinton wearing a miner's helmet couldn't find him."
- Jim Baker, ESPN.com, May 2002
by achiappanza on May 22, 2009 7:57 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It’s for Nick Adenhart, the Angels pitcher who was killed in April.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
Chatterbalks dot com: Still with jokes. Now with updates.
by groug on May 22, 2009 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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