Do you Believe?
by russian.tank on Jun 14, 2009 8:11 AM PDT
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PrintDo you believe that the Giants are a legit contender. According to Colin Cowherd's (ESPN) 3-pitcher system, where if a team has two really good pitchers and a closer, than they will succeed in the playoffs, than the Giants are. I think that behind the Phillies and the Dodgers, we are up there with the Cardinals, the Brewers, and even the Mets. I believe that with the grind it out style we play, and with our pitching, we can get a run at it. While a trade is mandatory, and it might not happen, I believe that Bumgarner would get called up in September for the stretch run. I think that we should make black and orange "We Believe" shirts, because the Giants are 5 games above .500 for the first time since 2004. So, do you Believe?
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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in life after love?
Leading the Pro-Aaron Rowand contingent on the McC!
You can ridicule me in 2009 if you like...
for every drop of rain that falls, a flower grows?
Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005. And winner of the 2012 NL Fireman of the Year Award!
We’ll certainly know more in the months ahead about whether this team is built for the long haul. As you’ve said, the Giants have the pitching to do well in the post-season; the biggest question will be whether they have the offense to actually get to the post-season.
Right now, I’m just enjoying the team’s success. It’s so fun going into any series and feel like you’ve got a good shot at winning it.
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
+1
I’m enjoying this, right now, a lot. But until they consistently show they can score, I won’t expect them to be anything other than entertaining. The bums have given up about as many runs as we have but are averaging more than a run more per game. This is a big difference.
by positiveuphemism on Jun 14, 2009 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions
One reason to remain optimistic is that you’ve got to assume at some point Milton (2.89era), Weaver (3.72era), and Wolf (3.41era) will regress back to their career averages.
by SeeingStars on Jun 14, 2009 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions
As will Juan Pierre, just in time for Manny to get back from maternity leave
Wall-E for Best Picture 2008
McCC = McClain Chronicles
by Useful_Idiot on Jun 14, 2009 12:51 PM PDT up reply actions
those guys are going to have to regress to a whole lot worse than their career averages to give the Giants any prayer of catching the Dodgers
by FluLikeSymptoms on Jun 14, 2009 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions
The Dodgers are also 14-5 in one-run games. Hopefully that won’t continue.
THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME (for 3 days in 1995).
by Mike Benjamin Hit King on Jun 14, 2009 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions
and if they go 5-14 the rest of the way
the Giants still won’t catch them
by FluLikeSymptoms on Jun 14, 2009 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Not really, but you can’t argue with the standings. It’s getting to the point where they need to seriously consider making a move. A decent first or third baseman would make a huge difference to this team.
A decent first or third baseman infielder would make a huge difference to this team.
Merkin Valdez? Manuel Mateo? A rose by any other name...
A decent first or third baseman infielder catcher or outfielder would make a huge difference to this team
we have a decent catcher
he plays 1B until his arm gets better, then he’ll play 3B. Or not. But he definitely won’t catch.
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
There's 3 ways to do something: the right way, the wrong way, and the Max Power/ Ginats Way...
by natteringnabob on Jun 14, 2009 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions
One thing that I haven’t seen brought up: health
This team has not suffered from a single, major long-term injury situation (unless you consider Joe Martinez a major situation).
We’ll have to continue to be perfect in this regard to even have a shot.
Merkin Valdez? Manuel Mateo? A rose by any other name...
i really don’t think an injury to, say, Burriss is gonna hamstring our playoff hopes
"he walked 18; new league record! Struck out 18, another new league record! He also hit the sportswriter, the PA announcer, the bull mascot twice..."
by i did my job on Jun 14, 2009 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions
ICWYDT
Fred Lewis can stand under my umbrella.
31 May 2007, 21:38 EST - the last time Matteh's career W-L wasn't below .500
We are at war with Los Angeles. We have always been at war with Los Angeles.
Lowering the Quality of Internet Discourse Since 1985™
by S.F. Giangst on Jun 14, 2009 8:42 PM PDT up reply actions
True
Although, Pablo’s elbow injury that resulted in him moving to 1B could have been dramatic. As it turned out, Pablo + Uribe has been a lot better than Pablo + Ishi was.
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
Uribe is not the answer, though. He has a long, proven track record of being a terrible hitter. The only thing different this year is that his BABIP is 66 points above his career average.
Adoptive parent of Noah Lowry.
:-(
Obviously, you have a point, but I’m not willing to say that a bump in BABIP is all luck. fielders play in locations relative to the batter in every park. Uribe hits alot of bloops that are falling, and they will probably continue to fall because in a spacious outfield fielders will respect his power. Now in a little league park like the White Sox play in outfielders are catching all those bloops just because they are positioned that much closer to him.
I doubt Uribe’s the answer, but I would prefer to keep playing him right now to see how long he can stay productive.
To sum up what I'm trying to say here:
different parks will favor different hitters BABIP-wise based on their natural tendencies as a hitter
I’m not sure how much you can put into these, but here are the stats on that.
@ Comiskey Park II .268 BABIP in 1230 PA
@ Coors Field .333 BABIP in 653 PA
Not at ATT, but Coors is the same kind of huge OF, and he’s only got 115 career PA in ATT so far. No other park does he have more than 158 PAs either. Is this just a factor of blooping hits? Speed decreasing? Or skill decreasing?
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!
With this lineup, I dont believe the Giants will win the wild card or catch the Dodgers. However, the Giants could beat every team in the national league in a 5 game series with this rotation, it is that good. Someone will have to catch fire, or a move for a bat will have to happen for this team to be legit contenders in my opinion.
The artist formerly known as Set-up man
82 dammit
"he walked 18; new league record! Struck out 18, another new league record! He also hit the sportswriter, the PA announcer, the bull mascot twice..."
by i did my job on Jun 14, 2009 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions
We're geniuses, eh?
Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all
If Dustin Pedroia played in Seattle, not many people would be talking about him.
No, but I’m in anyway.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
Pick up your damned calves , McPenisbutter.
It’s all too easy to follow your progress by the trail of wet , spindly legged farm animals.
NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?
by victor frankenstein on Jun 14, 2009 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions
I guarentee a playoff spot*
*for four teams in the national league
"Catcher are base running. Hitters are offense."
Only [hella] games left until the end of Zito's [no, make that Rowand's] contract.
Adoptive father of "Poncho" Villalona: This Angel don't fly. Nothing about him is light.
The offense needs to get better
To think that they are worse than last year is unbelievable.
Something must be done at 2b and either 1st or 3rd (one or the other). Obviously, just about every other spot could use an upgrade, too. But there are clear ways to upgrade those two spots.
Basically, I want the Giants to go for it. The playoffs are in reach. However, I want Sabean to continue to make moves like he has been. That is, to try and improve the team for now without having any negative impact on 2 years from now. So no Bumgarner for Holliday trades. The Giants chances are not good enough to sacrifice a key piece of the future for a temporary boost.
By the way, I put the Giants odds of making the playoffs at 12-1 earlier in the year. I think that those odds have improved. How does 7-1 sound?
"Catcher are base running. Hitters are offense."
Only [hella] games left until the end of Zito's [no, make that Rowand's] contract.
Adoptive father of "Poncho" Villalona: This Angel don't fly. Nothing about him is light.
Depends
pick a number between 1 and 7
Wall-E for Best Picture 2008
McCC = McClain Chronicles
by Useful_Idiot on Jun 14, 2009 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions
3
I only have a signature because I recognize everyone else by their sigs, not their usernames..
We lose
Wall-E for Best Picture 2008
McCC = McClain Chronicles
by Useful_Idiot on Jun 14, 2009 5:10 PM PDT up reply actions
4?
I only have a signature because I recognize everyone else by their sigs, not their usernames..
My problem with “we believe” has always been that it implies that we shouldn’t. Maybe it’s only in a weird, sort of roundabout way that I even get there, but it always sounded to me like “the team isn’t very good… but WE BELIEVE that doesn’t matter!”
We Believe : We Shouldn’t Believe :: It Could Happen : It Probably Won’t Happen
I’d prefer something more forceful if we’re really going to go nuts and get into this thing.
Playoffs or Bust
Going All the Way
You know… nothing nearly as lame as those two examples, but definitive. I’d be down for that. It might not be honest, but at least it doesn’t make me feel like there’s something squirmy behind it.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Jun 14, 2009 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions
Plus the Warriors are losers and the stink of losing has permeated that phrase.
Duane Kuiper: Hall Of Fame broadcaster.
by Johnny Disaster on Jun 14, 2009 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions
We Believe : We Shouldn’t Believe :: It Could Happen : It Probably Won’t Happen
in this case, that would be entirely appropriate
by FluLikeSymptoms on Jun 14, 2009 2:50 PM PDT up reply actions
It would be… but it wouldn’t make me feel very good.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Jun 14, 2009 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions
PLAYOFFS!?!?!?!?!
Giant Dirtbags: John Bowker, Steve Hammond. MIA List: Todd Jennings, Brian Anderson
Wronghanded Affeldt pitches right
by Giant among Angels on Jun 14, 2009 10:20 AM PDT reply actions
Colin Cowherd thinks we could succeed in the playoffs?
We’re doomed.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
Chatterbalks dot com: Still with jokes. Now with updates.
Steven A Smith (AKA Screamin A Shit) just picked the Giants to win the World Series
by FluLikeSymptoms on Jun 14, 2009 6:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Wouldn't you pay to see someone pie him?
NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?
by victor frankenstein on Jun 14, 2009 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions
What happened to this guy?? He left ESPN (and saved everyone else money for all the aspirin they don’t have to take anymore) and hasn’t been seen since.
he returned to the abyss from whence he came
These are my principles. If you don't like them, I have others. -Groucho Marx
I was thinking about how far fetched it would be for us to compete, but then I looked at who we are competing with. We’re up against the Mets, who have absolutely no pitching outside of Santana and KRod and are banged up pretty badly (Reyes, Delgado, Putz all out for extended periods.) The Cards also have pitching issues, and are really built around Pujols and Ludwick. The Brewers once again have big pitching issues, outside of Gallardo.
We’d have to play above our heads to beat these teams in all likelihood, but we have an easier schedule, and I think we have an outside chance of doing it. Someone said at the beginning of the year, in response to Grant’s preseason post about a game against the Dodgers in September, “A meaningful game in September- count me as happy to be here.” That’s essentially my feeling for the year. If we can play competitively and make an outside run at the playoffs, I’m thrilled. As long as Sabes doesn’t do anything stupid.
Proud father of Barry Zito. As long as he keeps throwing strikes, that is.
The no stupidity is key.
Duane Kuiper: Hall Of Fame broadcaster.
by Johnny Disaster on Jun 14, 2009 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I don’t not believe!
"Catcher are base running. Hitters are offense."
Only [hella] games left until the end of Zito's [no, make that Rowand's] contract.
Adoptive father of "Poncho" Villalona: This Angel don't fly. Nothing about him is light.
YOU TAKE THAT BACK
Every time Grant said it in 2006, the team lost 5 games in a row!
IF THE GIANTS LOSE TODAY IT’S YOUR FAULT
GROUGTHINK ALERT
Chatterbalks dot com: Still with jokes. Now with updates.
Grant already jinxed it by posting the standings. The Giants are fooked.
by Lars The Wanderer on Jun 14, 2009 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions
As MonkeyChow pointed out, I really don’t think the Giants have much to worry about. They can contend at present just because the NL as a whole is pretty weak. I mean even the Dodgers are relying on journeyman starters who are bound to fall back down to earth. Randy Wolf is still due for his annual D.L. stint. Torre in typical fashion is abusing his middle relivers, Belisario and Troncoso are due to pitch 90 innings +. Also the Dodgers offense isn’t really that scary. Russell Martin has 0 HR’s in over 200 AB’s. Furcal sucks. Of course they do get Manny back in July, which helps them greatly.
As far as the Wild Card, the Mets are screwed. The Reds, Cards, and Brewers all have big flaws like we do.
I mean do the Giants really need to do anything at this point? I don’t think so. Most of the teams that are winning this year are overachieving IMO. But that’s how baseball is of late with the parity. You have really flawed teams winning 85-90 games and making the playoffs.
uh
I mean do the Giants really need to do anything at this point?
yeah…we kinda do. me likey the runs
On 5/7, the best part of waking is up LOLDGERS in my cup.
Who doesn’t like runs? But if it’s going to cost too much to get a mediocre bat who might help little, than might as well bring up Bowker and Guzman, and let Frandsen play 2b.
i've got a fever. and the only prescription is more contention.
I probably have a higher tolerance for risk when it comes to my baseball team. This team has NO in-house solutions for a #4-type hitter. I’m all for hanging our hat on the pitching, but if we can move Bumgarner or Alderson for an equivalent, on the cusp ML hitter…would you do it? I certainly would.
On 5/7, the best part of waking is up LOLDGERS in my cup.
Ah, now the fun part begins
Who stays and who goes. Which prospects are available and which prospects are off limits. Infinite answers.
I would not trade Bumgarner for that. Alderson probably not either. I would trade them for LEGIT ML hitters that are young now. Not someone who might be one.
then that’s the difference between you and me
On 5/7, the best part of waking is up LOLDGERS in my cup.
We have a chance for the wildcard, but I’d say that were near the bottom of the pack of 5 teams in the hunt. Let’s not forget that an anemic offense isn’t our only problem, we have big holes on defense and our baserunning is often horrendous. One great thing we have going for us is Romo’s resurgence as the main setup man – except for that one game he’s been lights out. With him and Affeldt dealing we have one of the best combos in the majors. But, I can’t say the same about Wilson – he is most likely to melt-down in the heat of a late-season wildcard chase.
Barring injuries, we probably have no shot at the Dodgers, because as soon as some of their overachievers start coming down to earth they’ll have Manny back to take all the pressure off them. They are also in a great position to make a trade to shore up their pitching. I also expect the other top NL teams that we’re competing against to make trades by the deadline (Cards, Brewers, Cubs, Braves, definitely the Mets). I hope that we don’t get seduced into trading Sanchez or some top prospects for a short-term bat in the hope that it puts us over the top. I’m not adverse to trading Sanchez for some up-and-coming batting prospect(s) or a long-term position player with offensive pop, just not now when his value is as low as it’s been in a long time.
"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner
by Fla-Giant on Jun 14, 2009 1:27 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
1. Most teams aren’t expected to be able to take on much salary this year due to the economy. The Giants however appear to be a team that can.
2. I’m not sure Sanchez’s value has ever been really that high to begin with, though it surely is lower than it would have been at the start of the year.
I should have been more specific about the trades. I don’t see the other teams having to take on much in the way of contracts. My thought was that they’d be picking up short-term rentals that will be FAs at the end of this year (Matt Holliday, A. Beltre, Nick Johnson, …), or players with onerous contracts whose selling teams would throw in a big chunk of money (Zito, Rowand – just kidding!) to get rid of them, or prospects that are major league-ready but being blocked by an established star on their current team (I wouldn’t mind the Giants looking for guys like this).
"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner
Let’s not forget that an anemic offense isn’t our only problem, we have big holes on defense and our baserunning is often horrendous.
Dude. I think I’m in love.
Yes, This is still a 79 win squad.
Where is my beer & chili dog?
by daveinexile on Jun 19, 2009 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions
I Believe
and so does Bochy and Lansford. They said since Sandoval went to first and Uribe went to third the club is playing much better and winning games. Fun Fact.
Would love Sabean go shopping for a bat and the Giants have the trading chips to git r done.
If Giants are in the pennant chase and Madison Bumgarner is healthy and effective would even consider the Giants going the KRod/DPrice route with Bummy and add him to the roster for the pennant run.
Of course that win streak has nothing to do with hot hitter posting a high OBP in the leadoff spot ( Rowand) while – finally- a hart of the order bat actually, occasionally, functioning ( Panda).
Instead it is all about Uribe at 3rd and Ishi on the bench. Don’t get me wrong here I think well of Uribe ( after all I was floating his name around here as a possible positive pick up last offseason) but if Rowand does not go on his annual reign of terror during the same time Uribe is at 3rd I really doubt this augment takes place at all.
Yes, This is still a 79 win squad.
Where is my beer & chili dog?
by daveinexile on Jun 19, 2009 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions
the Giants have a good closer?
did they acquire 2000 Robb Nen when I wasn’t paying attention?
by FluLikeSymptoms on Jun 14, 2009 2:43 PM PDT reply actions
+1
Wilson is a decent closer with flashes of awesome, leavened by streaks of ick. He’s better than several of his recent predecessors, though. I never feel comfortable when he comes in to close a game, sadly.
No, really, I have updated my blog this year: http://skaldheim.livejournal.com/tag/baseball
I Believe...
…that I’m having more fun watching this team than I did last year, or the year before. I can picture being in the mix for the wild card in September. I can even see winning the wild card, and then dominating in the short NLDS, before getting waxed badly in the NLCS.
No, really, I have updated my blog this year: http://skaldheim.livejournal.com/tag/baseball
All this talk is going to seem silly
after they get omgwtfpwnd this week.
by Lars The Wanderer on Jun 14, 2009 4:35 PM PDT reply actions
It's silly now.
You’re just not drinking enough.
NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?
by victor frankenstein on Jun 14, 2009 8:16 PM PDT up reply actions
You say that now. But when the Giants recover like they did after their last two omgwtfpwnd stretches, YOU"LL look silly, pieman.
Of course, you’ll just come back with “Well, after they get pwnd again, you’ll look silly.” And then I’ll say…
And we’ll never stop. This will be the longest thread on the internet.
"Catcher are base running. Hitters are offense."
Only [hella] games left until the end of Zito's [no, make that Rowand's] contract.
Adoptive father of "Poncho" Villalona: This Angel don't fly. Nothing about him is light.
No I do not believe Tupac was at yesterdays game.
Giant Dirtbags: John Bowker, Steve Hammond. MIA List: Todd Jennings, Brian Anderson
Wronghanded Affeldt pitches right
by Giant among Angels on Jun 14, 2009 5:38 PM PDT reply actions
I'll say this
They way the Giants are playing, Bochy and Sabean probably have saved their jobs short of long losing streak between now and the end of the season.
I can't believe what you say 'cause I can see what you do.
Every time we seem to go on a winning streak, I check the standings and we seem so tantalizingly close… then we fall to Earth and we have a shitty roadtrip.
So no. No believing. Not happening, not again. But I can’t stop checking the standings every game, I’m hooked. =’(
Status: So pissed that the Giants sold my wall of Ks to Johnsonville Sausages, that I'm boycotting purchasing anything at the park, or patronizing their sponsers.
Including bad road trips, the Giants are winning more than 60% of all their games since they started off 2-7. Toss the first week and a half out the window, and the Giants are racking ’em up like a 100-win team.
Yeah, I think that’s crazy too, but that’s a great two month stretch.
No, really, I have updated my blog this year: http://skaldheim.livejournal.com/tag/baseball
Surf's up!
Ride this bad boy until it’s done.
NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?
by victor frankenstein on Jun 14, 2009 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions
KANE FOR FIELDUR
Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all
If Dustin Pedroia played in Seattle, not many people would be talking about him.
bad news / good news
If the Giants were a stock I would SELL SELL SELL.
The good news is that I have never in my life made a sound financial decision. Just lucky that I am well paid to post snark on teh interwebs all day.
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.
My name is George, I'm unemployed and I live with my parents.
Hi, I’m Victoria!
props to whomever gets the reference
These are my principles. If you don't like them, I have others. -Groucho Marx
seinfeld
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.
uh.... it's been 90 minutes
the promised props were not delivered
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.
I AL:WAYS send the Frankenfrancs.
By unicorn , even.
NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?
by victor frankenstein on Jun 15, 2009 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m pretty sure most people here will get the reference.
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
If you have to refer to the fact that it is a reference, maybe it’d be wise to not use a reference next time – as a reference.
No SOUP for you!
Mo'ped Money, Mo'ped Problems
by Scooter Ellis on Jun 15, 2009 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions
You really should have gone with the opposite of that impulse.
A hot August weekday, before a small crowd, when the only thing at stake is the tissue-thin difference between a thing done well and a thing done ill. Insofar as the clutch hitter is not a sportswriter's myth, it is a vulgarity, like a writer who writes only for money.
you don't have to have blindly believe ...
statistically we do have a chance – the question is whether we can manage to acquire a cleanup hitter
"Those boos really motivate me to make something happen." - Bonds
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