Giants/Cardinals Series Preview
There's a certain kind of symmetry in the Braves leaving and the Cardinals arriving. For years -- decades, even -- it was the Braves who stayed competitive, no matter what freaky roster changes they needed to make. My favorite Braves move was Brian McCann's call up. Oh, we'll just take this 22-year-old catcher with 165 at-bats in AA, where he hit .265 with decent-not-great plate discipline, and just plug him in as the starter. Oh, and he's the best hitting catcher in the game now. It seemed like the Braves were always doing that kind of stuff, and it happened too often to call it luck.
Now the Braves are a normal team again, missing on trades and player evaluations with the rest of the bunch. Well, good. But now it's the Cardinals who are driving me nuts. Do you realize they've had something called Skip Schumaker starting for them since last year? Kevin Frandsen leaves better minor league performances in his stool. But, nope, it's Schumaker who's doing the peak-year Mark Grudzielanek impersonation. Ryan Ludwick has more home runs in his Cardinals career than I expect the Giants to hit for this entire year. His success is the equivalent of Dallas McPherson hitting 30 homers, or Sergio Santos hitting .330 over two seasons. Of course, those two aren't even playing in the minors right now. The Giants can't luck into a minor-league free agent bonanza like Ludwick. Pfft. Take your Justin Miller and shut up, you greedy jerk.
We haven't even gotten to the best part: the Cardinals' pitching.
Dave Duncan: Looking good, Kyle. The thing abou...wait, is that your thumbnail extending 1/8th of an inch past your thumb?
Kyle Lohse: Uh, yeah. I play guitar, so it comes in handy when I'm fingerpicking.
Dave Duncan: Oh, no. That won't do.
Duncan clips 1/8th of an inch off Loshe's thumbnail
Note: Kyle Lohse is good now
Joel Pineiro: back from the Graveyard of Pitchers Past. Todd Wellemeyer: a) you just made that name up, and b) he had a lower ERA than Matt Cain last year. Everyone in the Cardinals bullpen has an ERA under 3.32 -- rookies, random veterans, whatever. I'd say this is a fluke, but it seems like the Cardinals contend every year. Well, not every year, but they're usually better than I give them credit for.
Hitter to watch:
Albert Pujols is only hitting .317, so the Giants should take advantage of this crippling slump. I used to secretly hope that Pujols was dirty, not because I'm an evil jerk, but because I wanted...I don't know...some sort of validation that everyone in baseball could be dirty. Then it wouldn't have been Bonds this and Bonds that. Bonds used to be the entire Nazi army in Raiders of the Lost Ark, but he only deserved to be part of the rising CO2 in An Inconvenient Truth. If another big star got pinched, it might have changed the public perception of the problem.
It was a stupid hope. Pujols is one of the greatest hitters ever, and we're lucky to watch him for 157 or 158 games out of the year. For about six games, though, he's an evil, thoughtless man who likes to poke my soul with a stick. But what a treat it is to watch him hit in non-Giants games. It was pretty craven to hope he was part of baseball's larger problem; he's a part of why we should watch baseball.
Pitcher to watch:
Chris Carpenter is back, and he hasn't given up a run yet. On Saturday, he faces Barry Zito. If you want to find something else on TV for Saturday night, go for it. Carpenter has only pitched about 40 innings over the last three seasons, but I have no illusions that the Giants will score more than two runs off him, offensive explosion against Atlanta notwithstanding.
Prediction:
Ryan Ludwick hits a home run this series. Dallas McPherson does not. Joel Pineiro continues to make progress on the reclamation trail. Ramon Ortiz does not.
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151 comments
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Comments
When Chris Carpenter first started getting really good, I was confused because I thought he was an aging, not-great veteran. Then I realized I was confusing him with this guy – who, as a side note, was once traded for Robb Nen.
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 29, 2009 11:27 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It’s especially confusing, by the way, because they were BOTH drafted in the mid-first round (14th and 15th picks) by the Blue Jays, and then later went to the Cardinals. Freaky.
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 29, 2009 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still thought they were the same guy, until now.
by kaliber on May 29, 2009 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
IIRC there’s a Chris Carpenter in the minors that constantly confuses me, as I know the Cardinals one keeps getting hurt.
Supporting San Francisco Dugout since 2005 and Manny Burriss since 2006, and bringing you all your California League needs since 2009.
by BaronVonCurrentEvents on May 29, 2009 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is that why I never really thought he was ever good and he came out of nowhere. Although maybe it’s because he’s from St. Louis.
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 29, 2009 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rowand Caption:
You can take pitches?
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 May 29, 2009 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Completely random, yet mind blowing fact: Matt Cain has taken more walks than Bengie Molina this year. Notice that I’m not talking about BB%, I’m talking walk totals. Matt Cain, the pitcher who’s gotten 19 PA’s, has taken 3 walks this season. Bengie Molina, the cleanup hitter who’s gotten 180 PA’s, has taken 2.
Molina is on pace for 7 walks this year. That has to be a record.
Adoptive parent of Noah Lowry.
:-(
by Cookyman on May 29, 2009 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
When Pablo Sandoval has more than twice as many non-intentional walks as you, you’re doing it wrong.
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 29, 2009 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
B-E A-G-G-R-E-S-S-I-V-E
Bengie Molina has swung at an unfathomable 49.5% of pitches outside the strike zone in 2009, easily the most in baseball. Pablo Sandoval is second (46.6%), so the Giants must really be preaching patience at the plate this year …
Proud adopted parent of future big league slugger Thomas Neal
Official Sponsor of the 1997 San Francisco Giants
by nostocksjustbonds on May 29, 2009 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kevin Frandsen leaves better minor league performances in his stool.
Grant did the labwork himself, so it has to be true.
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
by Goofus on May 29, 2009 11:31 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
On his own stove, nonetheless.
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 29, 2009 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also
When I think about Candy Maldonado and the Cardinals, I don’t think about his elbow, I think about that idiotic feet-first sliding catch attempt.
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 29, 2009 11:33 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Also also
I remember hating Jose Oquendo, but I don’t remember why. Did it have to do with that bench-clearing brawl?
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 29, 2009 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think of the Stan the Man autograph I have…It is a snoopy/stan drawing signed by both
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on May 29, 2009 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Anti-Leonard
It had to do with the fact that he was a smug bastard, not all that talented, who chewed us up in that series. And kept his flaps to himself. It hurt.
bringing you moral turpitude since 1963
by Idaho Nick on May 29, 2009 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And the bench-clearing brawl.
We're all basically Pedro Feliz.
by SF Pete on May 29, 2009 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, Oquendo and Ozzie were the little twerps messing with Thrill while he was still on the ground after sliding into second base.
My favorite part of that brawl was when then-hitting coach Dusty Baker went into the melee, and about six Cardinals immediately ran away from him. It was tougher to decide who they feared more, Dusty or Kevin Mitchell.
by Bay Area Sports Guy on May 29, 2009 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The main thing I remember about that brawl is that Ozzie Smith threw the first punch but somehow wasn’t tossed.
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 29, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Wizard was kind of like the Isiah Thomas of MLB. Except he didn’t bankrupt Minor League baseball after he retired from the Cardinals.
by Bay Area Sports Guy on May 29, 2009 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
what I remember most about that fight was that it was Candyman who hit the ball. After Clark got into with Oquendo and Smith you see Maldonado flying in from nowhere to throw a ridiculous punch. it was awesome.
Proud adopted parent of future big league slugger Thomas Neal
Official Sponsor of the 1997 San Francisco Giants
by nostocksjustbonds on May 29, 2009 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
20 years later, that’s all I could remember about the brawl, that someone came flying into frame and landed a punch, but until now I couldn’t tell you if it was Candy or Thrill or Robby or who.
by satyricrash on May 29, 2009 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
July 24, 1988
Maldonado forced Clark (shortstop to second); Clark went in hard, free for all broke out
Retrosheet is funny.
Proud adopted parent of future big league slugger Thomas Neal
Official Sponsor of the 1997 San Francisco Giants
by nostocksjustbonds on May 29, 2009 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like that Reuschel pitched a complete game shutout and only struck out one guy.
by Bay Area Sports Guy on May 29, 2009 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Khalil Greene’s anxiety issues will be cured after this series.
El Presidente Larry Baer's epitaph
"Nothing important ever happened without me."
by ResDog on May 29, 2009 11:35 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Mine will not be until Scott isn’t the lead off hitter
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on May 29, 2009 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, hes been good
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 29, 2009 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thinking about the Cards brings up memories of Cain’s start last year where he got Cained, big time. It did, however, kickstart Bowkermania! IT’S RUNNING WILD, BROTHER!!
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
by Natto on May 29, 2009 11:37 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I was at that game. I’ve never been more annoyed while leaving a pointless early-season game. Ugh.
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 29, 2009 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
For those who don't recall
Cain took a no hitter into the seventh, and the Giants ended up losing by a score of something like 9-7.
It was also one of Tyler Walker’s first big implosions last year.
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 29, 2009 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was also a scoreless tie until the sixth, when Cain hit a HR to start the Giants off to a five run explosion that the bullpen couldn’t hold. I think we SHOULD remember these games, because they don’t happen anymore. Take a bow, Brandon Medders, Justin Miller, Merkin Valdez etc. Middle relief is as good as it’s been here in awhile.
Proud new dad of Edgardo errr Edgar Renteria!!!
by rxmeister on May 29, 2009 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cain has learned how to win.
Adoptive parent of Noah Lowry.
:-(
by Cookyman on May 29, 2009 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was at that game, I even called Cain’s homer (although, I was a few deep so I might have been calling homer for everyone). It was awesome, then it sucked bad. I’m going again this year, to the Zito-Carpenter game and I don’t anticipate a better outcome than last year.
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
Proud father of Juan Carlos Perez. Think Albert Pujols at second.
by marcello on May 29, 2009 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
BOWKERMANIA!
I’m infected.
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on May 29, 2009 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
When Vince Coleman comes back to St. Louis for Old Timers Day, do you think he consciously avoids walking near the tarps?
"Are we bad? No. But right now, we are." Boulderskull, 4.16.09
by Kitspool on May 29, 2009 11:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
For some reason, I get the feeling this is the series where the bloom comes off the Barry Zito rose.
Also, I’m going to be an ass and point out that Lohse and Pineiro are misspelled in your post.</spelling police>by KCE on May 29, 2009 11:52 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Zito’s last start wasn’t exactly great.
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 29, 2009 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoops. Those were seven consecutive typos.
by Grant on May 29, 2009 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve always spelled it ‘Lose’ mentally.
Duane Kuiper: Hall Of Fame broadcaster.
by Johnny Disaster on May 29, 2009 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
When we watched him in minny
we called him kyle lohser.
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 29, 2009 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kyle LOLse and Jo-el-oh-el Pinero
Supporting San Francisco Dugout since 2005 and Manny Burriss since 2006, and bringing you all your California League needs since 2009.
by BaronVonCurrentEvents on May 29, 2009 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Magic touch
I know what you mean about the Braves, but I seem to recall some attention to McCann as a prospect.
OK, here’s where I see he was a consensus #61 in 2005. I used to read various people’s top 100.
"[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 29, 2009 12:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh, he was definitely a prospect, but he started raking after a few hundred decent A-ball at-bats.
by Grant on May 29, 2009 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I read the Pujols section header as ‘Hitler to watch’.
Duane Kuiper: Hall Of Fame broadcaster.
by Johnny Disaster on May 29, 2009 12:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
For this series, yes.
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
by Natto on May 29, 2009 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
LaRussa = Himmler?
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 29, 2009 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d probably call Al Pedrique Himmler.
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 29, 2009 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does that make LaRussa Bormann? Is he going to end up on a beach in South America?
Duane Kuiper: Hall Of Fame broadcaster.
by Johnny Disaster on May 29, 2009 6:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I did that once earlier
I think it was a Padres series.
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 29, 2009 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was it about Hairston? Cause it might not have been a misread.
Proud father of Barry Zito. As long as he keeps throwing strikes, that is.
by MonkeyChow on May 29, 2009 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Slightly OT:
"Are we bad? No. But right now, we are." Boulderskull, 4.16.09
by Kitspool on May 29, 2009 12:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Replaced by Jim Tracy!
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 29, 2009 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Former Dodger Manager
Another reason to hate the Rockies.
by Lars The Wanderer on May 29, 2009 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man.
If there’s one manager I think less of than Hurdle, it’s Jim Tracy.
Randy Winn is going to catch that. And he'll do it real classy-like too.
by oldjacket on May 29, 2009 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Al Pedrique.
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 29, 2009 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just did a search, and it looks like I’m the only McCoven to ever mention Pedrique. Given his chickenshit jackassery re: Bonds, I’m pretty amazed by that.
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 29, 2009 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
what did he do again?
We're all basically Pedro Feliz.
by SF Pete on May 29, 2009 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bonds was approaching one of the home run records (I can’t remember which one it was now), and Pedrique (manager of the Diamondbacks at the time) didn’t want Bonds to break it in Arizona. So he ordered his pitchers to intentionally walk Bonds every time he came up all series long, regardless of circumstance.
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 29, 2009 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
ha ha, from Wikipedia:
Pedrique created some controversy as manager in 2004 when he ordered the Diamondbacks pitching staff to intentionally walk Barry Bonds throughout an entire three-game series against the San Francisco Giants from September 10-12, since Bonds was on the verge of hitting his 700th career home run, which Pedrique did not want to happen at Bank One Ballpark. This move contained no strategy, and many later viewed it as an example of professional cowardice.
by satyricrash on May 29, 2009 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No joke, I actually didn’t scroll down at all.
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 29, 2009 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't even get me started
That was beyond chickenshit.
IIRC, he claimed he was pitching around Bonds in deference to the Dodgers, who were competing with SF in the division race. Which of course, was total BS because the D-bags were in the midst of a 110-loss season and the starting lineup consisted of AA-ers, even though they had some vets with decent track records (Baerga, McCracken, et al) riding the pine.
Bonds comes up with no one on, leading 5-0 or whatever, and they IBB him. Wear a damned dress if you’re gonna manage like that.
Anagram of "knowing how to win" = WOW, I KNOW NOTHING
by Stuttering John Tamargo on May 29, 2009 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I recall Larry Dierker doing something like that in Houston in 2001 when Bonds was chasing McGwire’s record. He kept getting walked in BS situation, but eventually, the Giants had some huge lead and there was no way to justify walking him, so they brought in this rookie left-hander who threw like 99 mph to face Bonds. Of course, Bonds hit the ball like 800 feet for #70…
Proud adopted parent of future big league slugger Thomas Neal
Official Sponsor of the 1997 San Francisco Giants
by nostocksjustbonds on May 29, 2009 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wear a damned dress if you’re gonna manage like that.
This might not go over well.
Adoptive parent of Noah Lowry.
:-(
by Cookyman on May 29, 2009 4:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think men in dresses are funny a la Some Like It Hot.
It's my blarg! Quick Pitch
by can of corn on May 29, 2009 6:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Awesome movie. Of course, Marilyn is easy on the eyes.
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 29, 2009 6:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think I was in the land of no baseball while that was going on.
Randy Winn is going to catch that. And he'll do it real classy-like too.
by oldjacket on May 29, 2009 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Slighlty worse air quality – China.
Randy Winn is going to catch that. And he'll do it real classy-like too.
by oldjacket on May 29, 2009 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Meh
I don’t really like to laugh at people losing their job (unless it’s mike nolan or bruce bochy), but I’ll allow a “COLOLRODO”
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 29, 2009 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m afraid that this series will cause the Giants to regress offensively (again). I think that the bulk of their offensive production this week (such as it is) was due primarily to luck and the Braves’ insistence on letting the Giants win.
I hope I am wrong.
And also – Pujols scares me.
It's my blarg! Quick Pitch
by can of corn on May 29, 2009 12:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't be scared
Look that Pujol right in the eye and tell it you’re the boss.
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
by Goofus on May 29, 2009 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course, can of corn is looking at it from the other side.
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 29, 2009 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
An Epic Novel
“The Other Side of the Pujol”
by Lars The Wanderer on May 29, 2009 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This series is going to be ugly
Even by 2008 standards.
by Lars The Wanderer on May 29, 2009 12:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I HAVE PUJOLS IN ONE LEAGUE AND CARPENTER IN ANOTHER
I CAN TELL YOU ALL ABOUT IT!
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 29, 2009 1:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
by Natto on May 29, 2009 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
/barfs
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on May 29, 2009 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m strangely turned on by that girl. I think it’s because I dealt with anime nuts all last weekend and I’m suffering from Stockholm Syndrome.
Billy Ripken is not a fuck face
by Karlifornia on May 29, 2009 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You went to Fanime?
That place is like a message board that exploded into reality.
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
by Natto on May 29, 2009 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
PLZ TELL US MOAR
/sets up and folding chair and sits
Merkin Valdez? Manuel Mateo? A rose by any other name...
by rotorueter on May 29, 2009 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lame Caption
I want my money back. Wait, I want more salary. Wait…
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 29, 2009 2:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Free Matt Wieters
mlb.tv is showing his first at bat free with a live look in for those that are interested. The game will be delayed by rain, but apparently on 20-30 minutes or so. He’s batting 7th. Orioles.com has the linkage.
Proud adopted parent of future big league slugger Thomas Neal
Official Sponsor of the 1997 San Francisco Giants
by nostocksjustbonds on May 29, 2009 3:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the info, but how do you start the live look in so you actually watch it live?
Does that make any sense :\
Proud father of Barry Zito. As long as he keeps throwing strikes, that is.
by MonkeyChow on May 29, 2009 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno. they had a link saying “live look in” and I clicked it and a screen popped up. there was nothing on it, though. i’m guessing it’ll have the look in at that moment.
Proud adopted parent of future big league slugger Thomas Neal
Official Sponsor of the 1997 San Francisco Giants
by nostocksjustbonds on May 29, 2009 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My fantasy team hopes it will be pleased.
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, come back!
by WalrusMan on May 30, 2009 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Schulman:
Frandsen back to Fresno, Romo activated.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/giants/indexn?blogid=22
tonight’s lineup:
1. Rowand
2. Renteria
3. Winn
4. Molina
5. Sandoval (1B)
6. Lewis
7.Uribe
8. Burriss
must conserve battery power
/shuts down
by ryanmiles on May 29, 2009 4:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Frandsen back to Fresno, but Uribe stays. Umm… ok?
Bright Spot: NO VELEZ.
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on May 29, 2009 4:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uribe’s been good though.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
Chatterbalks dot com: Still with jokes. Now with updates.
by groug on May 29, 2009 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do not want to, but i have to agree with this.
Giant Dirtbags: John Bowker, Steve Hammond. MIA List: Todd Jennings, Brian Anderson
Wronghanded Affeldt pitches right
by Giant among Angels on May 29, 2009 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn’t call an OPS+ of 80 good, but on this team, and compared to an 0 for 16…
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on May 29, 2009 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s fine for a back up.
Adoptive parent of Noah Lowry.
:-(
by Cookyman on May 29, 2009 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can see you italicly frowning to this.
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, come back!
by WalrusMan on May 30, 2009 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
dammit, aurilia needs to go away. this may be building into a fever pitch similar to the castillo DFA from last season
Brand new adoptive daddy for the Big Unit. This is one of the only ways a 5' 10" father can have a 6' 10" son.
by Speedforthewin on May 29, 2009 4:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone know long is Panda going to be playing 1st base? Is the positional change due to his elbow injury?
"Are we bad? No. But right now, we are." Boulderskull, 4.16.09
by Kitspool on May 29, 2009 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It has to be, especially with Ishikawa improving.
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on May 29, 2009 4:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course.
Judgment Day is coming
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by Natto on May 29, 2009 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least Pablo’s back.
Judgment Day is coming
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by Natto on May 29, 2009 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
WHY IS AURILIA STILL ON THIS TEAM
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on May 29, 2009 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
True love with Bochy.
It's my blarg! Quick Pitch
by can of corn on May 29, 2009 6:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT: Strasburg on ESPN.
Bruce Bochy would like you to look at the career numbers and stop complaining.
by cheno on May 29, 2009 4:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Strikeout and a homer.
Bruce Bochy would like you to look at the career numbers and stop complaining.
by cheno on May 29, 2009 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dude is kinda okay. His breaking ball is filthy.
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 29, 2009 6:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will be up in the arcade Saturday
I will be the guy catching all 3 of Pujols’ opposite field home run balls
The artist formerly known as Set-up man
by CB30 on May 29, 2009 4:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I will beup in the arcadein Dogpatch Saturday
I will be the guy catching all 3 of Pujols’ opposite field home run balls
fixed.
"Are we bad? No. But right now, we are." Boulderskull, 4.16.09
by Kitspool on May 29, 2009 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will beup in the arcadeinDogpatchthe central waterfront Saturday
I will be the guy catching all 3 of Pujols’ opposite field home run balls
/fixed from my office in the barbary coast.
We're all basically Pedro Feliz.
by SF Pete on May 29, 2009 5:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
For years — decades, even — it was the Braves who stayed competitive, no matter what freaky roster changes they needed to make… It seemed like the Braves were always doing that kind of stuff, and it happened too often to call it luck.
Take into consideration that this was during the Steroid Era. i’m not saying that the players they brought up were juicing…
i’m suggesting the Braves’ front office was on some kind of steroids that we don’t even know of. Hence it’s not against the rules and can’t be tested for. But it turns all of their decisions into splash hits.
by sayheybk on May 29, 2009 5:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
At first I typed in “John Schierholtz”…
NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?
by victor frankenstein on May 29, 2009 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pujols
I used to secretly hope that Pujols was dirty. … Pujols is one of the greatest hitters ever, and we’re lucky to watch him for 157 or 158 games out of the year. But what a treat it is to watch him hit in non-Giants games. It was pretty craven to hope he was part of baseball’s larger problem; he’s a part of why we should watch baseball.
Even if Pujols is “dirty”, I would still agree that he’s a part of why we should watch baseball.
Why couldn't McCovey have hit the ball just three feet higher??
by tobias on May 29, 2009 5:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m sure later I’ll be regretting my impatience for this game to start, but 7:15? really? Time is just draggggggging by today.
by Merope on May 29, 2009 5:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The couple hours before a game are always the longest
The artist formerly known as Set-up man
by CB30 on May 29, 2009 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve been thinking this since about noon today. I want some baseball now, please.
It's my blarg! Quick Pitch
by can of corn on May 29, 2009 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bumgarners day is over
5 innings, 5 hits, 2BB, 3K, 1ER
Listened to the broadcast, he pitched better than his numbers indicate. He had a rough first inning but he settled down after that. He schooled Redsox top prospect Lars Anderson today. Struck him out on 3 pitches in the first, then again on 5 pitches in his next AB, and then got him to ground out weakly to the SS in his third AB(he got ahead of him 1-2 in the final AB). Overall a pretty good performance, especially considering he didn’t have his best stuff today.
by superk1ng on May 29, 2009 5:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Only 3K?
DFA
Judgment Day is coming
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by Natto on May 29, 2009 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
GAH
/THROWS SELF DOWN STAIRS
The artist formerly known as Set-up man
by CB30 on May 29, 2009 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
TWO WALKS?
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on May 29, 2009 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
GARBAGE
GROUGTHINK ALERT
Chatterbalks dot com: Still with jokes. Now with updates.
by groug on May 29, 2009 6:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So why is our best OBP guy hitting 6th?
by kingofthacove on May 29, 2009 5:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Better then 8th
The artist formerly known as Set-up man
by CB30 on May 29, 2009 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So when did this Bort thing start? And what exactly is the significance? I somehow missed this meme.
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 29, 2009 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bruce Bochy = Swedish Chef from the Muppets
Bort Bort Bort Bort Bort Bort
Judgment Day is coming
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by Natto on May 29, 2009 6:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The picture explains it all
The artist formerly known as Set-up man
by CB30 on May 29, 2009 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aha. I never would have made that connection. Well played, McCoven. Well played.
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 29, 2009 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought the Swedish Chef said Bork, not Bort.
Bort is a Simpsons thing.
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 29, 2009 6:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s what I thought too, but I’ve been known to mishear things.
Bort is from The Simpsons “Itchy and Scratchy Land” episode.
by Merope on May 29, 2009 7:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it is actually “Bork”. The muppet wiki confirms: http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/The_Swedish_Chef.
Also confirmed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-OFXUaMIv8
And, of course, there’s this: http://www.google.com/intl/xx-bork/
It's my blarg! Quick Pitch
by can of corn on May 29, 2009 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is bork, but we’ve been mixing it up lately.
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
by Natto on May 30, 2009 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Something I just realized, looking at kenshin’s WAR table…
Wins Above Replacement
Timothy Lincecum and Matthew Cain: 3.8.
Rest of the rotation + all position players currently on the major league roster: 3.8
That is both awesome and pathetic.
Adoptive parent of Noah Lowry.
:-(
by Cookyman on May 29, 2009 6:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
YOU’VE CRACKED THE DA VINCI CODE
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
by Natto on May 29, 2009 6:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m going to a concert tonight instead of watching the game :(
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on May 29, 2009 6:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
what concert?
We're all basically Pedro Feliz.
by SF Pete on May 29, 2009 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sun Kil Moon at Great American Music Hall. I’ve been looking forward to it! Hopefully Mark Kozelek is in a good mood.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on May 29, 2009 6:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sun Kil Moon is a badass name. That’s a name that gets things done.
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
by Natto on May 29, 2009 6:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it was named after a Korean boxer. \m/
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on May 29, 2009 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wikipedia confirms your thoughts.
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
by Natto on May 29, 2009 6:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cool. I had a great time at Jane’s Addiction/Nine Inch Nails last week but decided to pass on Jenny Lewis tonight.
We're all basically Pedro Feliz.
by SF Pete on May 29, 2009 6:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve seen Jenny Lewis a couple of times solo and once with Rilo Kiley – she’s quite a good live performer.
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 29, 2009 6:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, I wacky parsed that as JeRRy Lewis, boy was I confused, apparently I misread things frequently too.
by Merope on May 29, 2009 7:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now I’m considering photoshopping Jerry Lewis’s head onto Jenny Lewis’s body.
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 29, 2009 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

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