The Return of the Suck: Bengie Molina, part 2
by Aadik on Aug 3, 2009 9:07 PM PDT
298 comments
Some of you may remember me from epics posts such as "Goddamnit Scott, don't swing at that slider away" and "Goddamnit Ishi, that breaking ball down and in is a BALL". Here, I'd like to bring back memories of a more recent proof of suckage - Bengie Molina. See the original thread, dated June 11, for a discussion of the issues: The Bengie Molina Paradox
At that point, Bengie was hitting .256/.264/.436, for an OPS of .700, but his god-awful OBP. Since then, Bengie has actually improved his OBP.... hitting a robust .261/.277/.377 (June 11 to Aug 2, not including today), for a total OPS of .654. As of today's line, Bengie's record is .258/.268/.411 - his OPS at .682. For reference, the only Giants regular with a similarly Aurillia-esque line is his partner in failure, Edgar Renteria, hitting .256/.311/.321.
The question remains - just how much does Bengie suck? And why does it matter so much to the Giants?
The Giants as a team are an offensive suckhole - this isn't a secret. But their absolute inability to take pitches makes this team even worse.
Team OBP
1: Yankees - .359
Average : - .332
29th: Royals - .309
...
30th: Giants - .308
Team BB taken
1: Yankees - 446
Average: - 362
29: Mariners: - 277
...
30: Giants - 236.
Ponder this for a second; not only do the Giants suck extraordinarily at OBP, but their walk total is so bad that they are 40 BB's worse off than the next best team. Who is responsible for this team's inability to take a goddamn pitch?
PItchers per plate appearance (MLB, at least 200 PA's, with notable Giants hitters), 277 qualifiers
1: Jayson Werth: 4.56
28. Fred Lewis: 4.15 (only Giants hitter above average)
MLB Average: 3.84
163. Travis Ishikawa: 3.78
170. Edgar Renteria: 3.76
212. Randy Winn: 3.65
GIANTS Average: 3.60
254. Aaron Rowand: 3.44
265: Nate Schierholtz: 3.37
276 (2nd last): Cristian Guzman, not a Giant: 3.12
... and drumroll
...
277 (and dead last): Bengie Molina: 3.08.
OBP (MLB, at least 200 PA's, with notable Giants hitters), 277 qualifiers
1. Albert Pujols: .438
50. Pablo Sandoval: .374
152. Fred Lewis: .338
158. Aaron Rowand: .336
MLB Average: .332
186: Travis Ishikawa: .325
191. Nate Schierholtz: .319
206: Randy Winn: .318
220: Edgar Renteria: .311
Giants Average: .308
231: Juan Uribe: .305
249: E. Burris: .292
...
And at 270 (out of 277 qualifying hitters in baseball): Bengie Molina: .268.
Ponder this for a second: Amongst the 277 hitters that qualify here, Bengie Molina ranks:
- 270th in OBP
- 277th in Pitches / Plate Appearance
-277th in BB (table not displayed here)
Any GM in the 21st century should be aware of the idiocy of this role; our GM and manager further it by batting Bengie Molina, he of the OBP repulsion, cleanup. When the team tells you this is what is determined to be valuable, we have an epic failure on our hands. If for Bengie Molina's continual presence at the cleanup spot alone, the Giants have no business bringing back Bruce Bochy and an offensive player evaluation system that is irrevocably broken.
EDIT - 11:06PM
http://www.mercurynews.com/giants/ci_12986610
Baggs apparently spends time around here; he notes the .268 OBP, and the 3.08 pitches per plate appearance. What's particularly interesting is the quote from Bochy:
No, no, we'll do what we think is best for the team," said Bochy, asked if he had to weigh Molina's pride and stature in the clubhouse. "We're not concerned for feelings. We've got to do what's right. He's one of the best clutch hitters, I think, in this game. Whether we keep him there or move him, he'll get it going. He can hit."
If Bochy truly believes in 1) clutch hitters and 2) that Bengie is amongst the best in baseball, the situation is even worse than we thought.
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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Fred Lewis is the problem, sorry.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 9:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
NOT CLUTCH. CANT YOU SEE HOW CLUTCH BENGIE IS
by superk1ng on Aug 3, 2009 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
53 RBI
53 RBI DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH BETTER THAT IS THAN FRED FAILURE?
by Alex_Lewis on Aug 3, 2009 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
he is pretty clutch
Thank God I'm not a Royals fan
by SMO48 on Aug 4, 2009 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Truth Behind the Suck
FLEW SUCKS.
Dissertation over.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Apparently you can stop, drop, and roll and still throw Bengie out.
by SeeingStars on Aug 3, 2009 9:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
you can read aloud the entire works of Marcel Proust, invent faster than light travel, solve world hunger and then walk the ball over to first and still meet a surprised Molina, who will make a head first dive because he’s gritty like that.
I’ve never seen Molina dive, so I take that back.
by Alex_Lewis on Aug 3, 2009 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This could be a subject for another thought-provoking thread...
“Things an infielder can do while waiting to throw out Bengie”
Why couldn't McCovey have hit the ball just three feet higher??
by tobias on Aug 3, 2009 10:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
you can read aloud the entire works of Marcel Proust, invent faster than light travel, solve world hunger and then walk the ball over to first
He is the most interesting man in the world. Stay Slow My Friends
My adopted son Matt Downs . Ranked as the 24th best prospect in the Giants farm system by Baseball America !!
by nvsfg on Aug 4, 2009 8:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Awesome
I love how fanship can be marked over the years by commercial slogans. I’d love to see a compendium of Giants ones over the years.
"The questions are so stupid. I don't believe in rivalries. I don't believe in curses. Wake up the damn Bambino, maybe I'll drill him in the ass."
- Pedro Martinez, asked about the Curse of the Bambino
by achiappanza on Aug 5, 2009 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
HE’S GOING THE DISTANCE!
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
don't mention that to Bengie
He’s VERY sensitive!
If you follow this team, you probably know that Bengie is very sensitive about being the slowest man in baseball. A few years ago with the Angels, he froze out the beat guys for months after one of them made a joke in print at his expense.
by superk1ng on Aug 3, 2009 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
that thread was too yelly for my taste.
Randy Winn is in time out until his OBP gets back over .330.
by oldjacket on Aug 3, 2009 9:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow
Proud father of Juan Carlos Perez. Think Albert Pujols at a position to be determined.
@#$% Juan Uribe. Dios es grande.
by marcello on Aug 3, 2009 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL
Neal before Zod!
Official Sponsor of the 1997 San Francisco Giants
by nostocksjustbonds on Aug 4, 2009 7:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
LAWLZ
FAIL and PWNED
Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all
If Dustin Pedroia played in Seattle, not many people would be talking about him.
GET THAT VORP SH!T OUTTA HERE!!!
by baetown415 on Aug 4, 2009 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
it was partially my fault =/
I apologize to everybody, btw, for that thread.
by jctGamer on Aug 3, 2009 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was angry at GRM syndrome
But the point stood, did it not?
Jonathan Sanchez. He's left-handed, like Barry Zito. His fastball breaks 80, unlike Zito.
by Aadik on Aug 3, 2009 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know it's totally ridiculous and stupid...
but I wouldn’t mind seeing how Posey would do. I’m sure there are a million reasons why that is a very bad idea, but this offense is keeling me…
Psycho killer, qu'est-ce que c'est?
by shikantaza on Aug 3, 2009 9:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh yes?
A million? And what would the first of those million be? What is it that Bengie does, exactly, that Buster couldn’t?
by Alex_Lewis on Aug 3, 2009 9:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
To conitnue
Bengie does not field, hit or run well. Presumably, Buster will immediately be better in two of those areas. Furthermore, to assume that Bengie might hit better would imply the further assumption that Buster would be among the worst if not the worst hitter in Major League Baseball in the weeks following his call up (note above screed).
I just don’t see the point of Bengie. I really don’t.
by Alex_Lewis on Aug 3, 2009 9:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just to pick nit. But the Hit & Run is a play that really should be used a lot less with this bunch of hackers.
Not only does it encourage the already extreme tendencies it can be argued it distracts the hitters some the most long lived (and yet to be disproved) argument against stealing bases is that is weakens most hitters effectiveness. With a couple notable exceptions this squad is rather fast and is much faster than recent (say the last 6 years give or take) Giants squads and using – as a rule of thumb- going on contact makes a lot more sense. The Hit & Run invites a lot of DP’s possibilities if your team is going to rely on it enough to make is major a promote/demote criteria.
That’s it! Katie bar the door for this 79 win team is star crossed! And I am loving it.
by daveinexile on Aug 10, 2009 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So far he hasn't hit a homerun above A-ball.
I say we wait it out a little bit.
by AmorVincitOmnia on Aug 4, 2009 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But yeah, I’m really sick of Bengie.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 9:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Gaiz Hitting with RISP
Bengie Drives in the runz remember?
by jctGamer on Aug 3, 2009 9:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
.231/.244/.407
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
imagine the BA...
if all his sac flies counted as “normal outs”.
by NeifiChicken on Aug 3, 2009 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I re-watched “The Fan” last night and it gave me many ideas about what to do with Mr. Molina.
by Hoist That Rag on Aug 3, 2009 9:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Nah, nothing creepy like that…I was just going to stab him in the legs while he’s gorging himself at the post-game buffet table.
by Hoist That Rag on Aug 3, 2009 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kill Barry Zito so Bengie can wear no. 75?
by NeifiChicken on Aug 3, 2009 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
if only he hit him 6 inches to the left…
by NeifiChicken on Aug 3, 2009 9:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We should get 40,000 signs made that say "Benji Must Hit 8th!" and hand them out to everyone as they go in the stadium Friday with instructions on what time to hold them up all at once. Maybe we could get Carl’s Jr. or Outback, or some other fat restaurant to chip in on the signs in exchange for their logo on the other side
by m34josh on Aug 3, 2009 10:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
For the sake of argument, you can’t bat Bengie eight. He’s far too slow to be bunted over to second if he singles in front of the pitcher.
by deuce deuce on Aug 3, 2009 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bengie doesn't get on base
so problem avoided
by superk1ng on Aug 3, 2009 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fine, he bats ninth then. I seem to have more faith in Cain, Zito, or Lincecum to swing at strikes and not into DPs anyway. Sanchez is pretty awful at the plate, but whiteside will likely be in that day anyway so he can bat 7/8 with Sanchez in the 9 spot
by m34josh on Aug 3, 2009 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He hits like a dog, may as well be spelled like one
by m34josh on Aug 3, 2009 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
--E-N-G-I-E
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oddly enough, I’m surprised that Bengie has even seen that many pitches per plate appearance.
-2.34 sounds closer
by ryanmiles on Aug 3, 2009 10:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Intrigued. Ideas. Newsletter.
"He is Tim Lincecum...the Most Interesting Pitcher in the World."
by Kitspool on Aug 3, 2009 10:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
My favorite is when he grounds out and doesn’t even make it into the camera for the throw to first. All the time. He must lead the league in that by leaps and bounds.
Barry Zito: Mike Hampton with a guitar
by JakeS on Aug 3, 2009 10:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
lol
Billy Ripken is not a fuck face
by Karlifornia on Aug 4, 2009 1:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not by his leaps and bounds though.
Bruce Bochy would like you to look at the career numbers and stop complaining.
by cheno on Aug 4, 2009 1:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
/still laughing…minutes later
"...you overvalue Giants prospects and probably don’t know much about prospects to begin with."
by jayreed13 on Aug 4, 2009 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
MoLOLina, its time to not suck
Chris Dominguez: Bringing dingerz back to The Bay (In a while)
by CB30 on Aug 3, 2009 10:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Re: the baserunning
I didn’t even bother to check, but Bengie is NOT the worst baserunner in baseball – bar none. From Baseball Prospectus:
- Michael Bourn leads the league with +9.1637 (aka, about a win)
- Top Giant (10th overall) is Randy Winn at +3.95
- Fred Lewis is 17th at 3.08
- Bengie Molina ranks 719 out of 734, at -3.06 runs. Melvin Mora at -7.2 runs is apparently the worst baserunner in baseball.
Jonathan Sanchez. He's left-handed, like Barry Zito. His fastball breaks 80, unlike Zito.
by Aadik on Aug 3, 2009 10:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
wow, Melvin Mora? I wouldn’t have guessed him as the worst base runner
by FluLikeSymptoms on Aug 3, 2009 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But Fred Lewis doesn’t have any STEALZ
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What the hell is Melvin up to?
Has he been caught stealing eight out of six tries? Does he try to go to second every time he gets a base hit? SSS? I don’t understand. Mora is not slow. I can only assume he is really dumb.
by taliesin on Aug 3, 2009 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also, how does Michael Bourn earn nine runs with baserunning? That’s crazy. Thing is, it certainly isn’t stolen bases: 38/48 (79%) is barely worth anything at all.
by taliesin on Aug 3, 2009 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does that mean that Melvin is more than twice as bad as Bengie? cause its wrong if thats the case.
Tim is good enough for 2
by ktice on Aug 4, 2009 8:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really want Bengie to be good at hitting, and he’s not, and that makes me sad.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
by groug on Aug 3, 2009 10:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I keep thinking, like, “Man, maybe this time he’ll go back to being awesome and get a clutch hit and everything will be wonderful again.”
But then he grounds out to shortstop and the ball gets to first before he gets a quarter of the way up the line.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Remember when there were people who could insist that he was a good bat to have in the lineup?
I miss those arguments.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
by groug on Aug 3, 2009 10:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even GRM can’t defend him now.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No it doesn’t.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 10:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't normally disagree with you, but...
Yes it does
GROUGTHINK ALERT
by groug on Aug 3, 2009 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It makes me sad to think that I thought he was one of our best hitters last year
Chris Dominguez: Bringing dingerz back to The Bay (In a while)
by CB30 on Aug 3, 2009 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was a good hitter last year, but an obviously flukey, almost ridiculously aberrant career year from a fat old guy can only mean so much when it comes to the year following that year.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was good in RBI situations last year, but that’s really about it.
I didn’t realize until about a minute ago that his OBP was under .300 his first year with us. So this is kinda a trend!
GROUGTHINK ALERT
by groug on Aug 3, 2009 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I guess my perspective on a “good hitter” was fairly skewed last season. But he was quite a good hitting catcher and one of the only semblances of power on the team. He definitely did not suck.
Your point definitely stands, though.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 11:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just like to be contrary with you.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was hoping you’d say “Oh!”
Because then it’d be like a reversal of the normal thing…
GROUGTHINK ALERT
by groug on Aug 3, 2009 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was waiting for you to say, “No you don’t,” and then I was going to be like “OH SHIT!”
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
OH SHIT!
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 11:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How awesome would it be if some idiot team had already claimed Bengie off waivers and the Giants FO just let them have him.
"I can't hit the ball until I hit the bottle!"
by Li on Aug 3, 2009 10:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Giants Manager Bruce Bochy said he and General Manager Brian Sabean discussed the lineup before Monday’s game, and moving Molina out of the No. 4 spot was among the possibilities.
by jctGamer on Aug 3, 2009 10:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I read that in the Chronicle piece on today's game, and it pisses me off
1. It is approx 2/3 of the way through the season, and this is just being discussed now?
2. Moving Bengie out of the sacred [sound cue: choir of angels] Cleanup Spot requires days, plural, of conversation with the front office? Isn’t lineup order sort of, you know, an ordinary kind of decision? The only way this makes sense is if Sabean has been ordering it and Bochy’s been resisting it, so Sabean has to show whose name is where on the company org chart. But even if that’s what’s going on, see #1.
3. Given the widely repeated factoid that Molina might well turn out to be the worst cleanup hitter in FIFTY YEARS, why is this something that requires so much conversation and constipation? The last time there was a cleanup hitter this bad, Dwight Freaking Eisenhower was President and nobody thought John Kennedy had a realistic chance of ever being president.
4. Is all this management conversation a result of Bengie’s hypersensitivity on this? Really? Seriously?
Summing up: Freaking MOVE Bengie to the 7 or 9 spot, and Carthage must be destroyed.
Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit... Maybe.
by Mayor of 311 on Aug 3, 2009 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have hard time believing that he’d actually drop in the lineup any farther than sixth.
And the really, really sad thing about it is that I’d be okay with that. Dammit.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
what exactly would be the counter-argument for NOT moving him out?
by superk1ng on Aug 3, 2009 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s done this before, He’s a RBI guy, in a slump and is due, he can hit with runners on…..
that kind of shit.
by jctGamer on Aug 3, 2009 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i should rephrase
What would be a GOOD counter-argument for NOT moving him out
by superk1ng on Aug 3, 2009 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
About to the only thing I can think of is upping his value/maintaining Type A status. However, at this point I’m scared teams will balk at signing him and we’re left with Bengie at cleanup for 2010.
by SeeingStars on Aug 3, 2009 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unless some team stupidly signs Bengie before the deadline, offering him arbitration would be a horrible idea. Which is sad.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
if he’s offered arb he will for sure accept… he’s not going to get any money in the FA market, quite a few catchers coming into FA
by Bryappie on Aug 3, 2009 11:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe not if they are firm with him about Posey being the starter, but BORK Posey goes 1-11 with 5 K and back to Bengie starts and hits fourth. Ugh.
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Aug 4, 2009 5:42 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
OK, well… there’s that cool gif with Bengie on the bike and the girl on the stoop waving at Bengie and Bengie pointing back at the girl.
That gif only really works with Bengie in the cleanup spot.
Why couldn't McCovey have hit the ball just three feet higher??
by tobias on Aug 3, 2009 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know what you’re talking about, so here’s a sentence about a photo of Bengie Molina with a mitt on his head.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
btw, I do know what you’re talking about. Natto sometimes posts that comcast spoof .GIF.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 11:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why does he need to discuss it with Brian? Just do it.
Jesse Foppert: I Still Believe. Maybe a little less now.
"I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen." ~Bob Lemon,
by AndYourBirdCanSing on Aug 4, 2009 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I missed most of the game
Did Bengie do something out of the ordinary in the sucking department, or was it the usual sucking?
Chris Dominguez: Bringing dingerz back to The Bay (In a while)
by CB30 on Aug 3, 2009 10:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Usual sucking, but one instance was at a particularly bad time
9th inning, Giants down by one run, runner in scoring position. KHAAAAAAAAAAAN!
Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit... Maybe.
by Mayor of 311 on Aug 3, 2009 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i believe it was a 1-1 count
and he felt the need to throw his entire body at a pitch low and well off the plate.
by superk1ng on Aug 3, 2009 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m pretty sure he also did that on the 0-0 pitch in that same at bat.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He did. Or he did in one AB that I saw tonight, I don’t care which one it was. It was bad.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s not every Bengie Molina AB?
GROUGTHINK ALERT
by groug on Aug 3, 2009 11:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the concept of count leverage means nothing to him
by superk1ng on Aug 3, 2009 11:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn’t Kruk and Kuip used to have a meme about how Bengie was more comfortable hitting in an 0-2 count or something?
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
like Cain more comfortable pitching out of the stretch?
by jctGamer on Aug 3, 2009 11:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
“He’s 6 foot 1, but in two-strike situations, he hits like he’s 5 foot 2”
Wait, maybe that’s just a Liz Phair reference.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
by groug on Aug 3, 2009 11:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s sixty-eight but he says he’s fifty four.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s got everything he needs, he’s a catcher, he don’t look back
GROUGTHINK ALERT
by groug on Aug 3, 2009 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So don’t fear if you hear
A foreign sound to your ear
It’s alright, Sabes, I’m only screaming and throwing things at my television.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The AAA propect knocking on your door
Is standing in the shin guards you once wore
GROUGTHINK ALERT
by groug on Aug 3, 2009 11:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
WTF is going on here?
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 11:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We’re just bringing it all back home.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I asked the catcher what his name was
And how come he didn’t swing at junk
He said his name was Posey
I just said, “Good luck.”
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn, that's good
The flailing hitter swings his bat at sand and then complains
At the average pitcher who’s thrown a curve but still remains
Upon the mound where Astros stare
At curveballs in the dirt
And there are no takes inside the mind of Bengie
GROUGTHINK ALERT
by groug on Aug 4, 2009 1:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 4, 2009 7:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh let the sun beat down upon my face
Stars, to fill my dreams
I am a traveller
in both time and space
To be where I have been
by techsig12 on Aug 4, 2009 8:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
MMMMMBOP!!
Extremely proud adoptive parent of Paul E. Stanley, deserved all-star and hacker extraordinaire
Thanks to roger
I've never been happier to have Crabs
by bondslegend on Aug 13, 2009 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just by looking..
He’s aggressive until he gets 2 strikes, then he lets bad pitches go, until there are 3 balls, in which he is aggressive again.
Brandon Crawford: Your SF Giants 2011 Opening Day starting SS!
by Azmanz on Aug 5, 2009 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The thing I did hear on the radio
The groundball that the guy was like laying down to throw or something
Chris Dominguez: Bringing dingerz back to The Bay (In a while)
by CB30 on Aug 3, 2009 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My personal favorite of the night… The shortstop misplays the ball, picks it up, bounces it to first, and STILL beats Bengie by a step.
My favorite, because it was one of the few plays I saw.
I'm thinking but nothing's happening.
by JRPhillips on Aug 3, 2009 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
did not bounce, but was a rainbow thrown from tejada’s knees
by Bryappie on Aug 3, 2009 11:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Either way, he could have rolled it on the ground or thrown it in the air like it was for three flies up… It still would have beaten Bengie to first.
I'm thinking but nothing's happening.
by JRPhillips on Aug 4, 2009 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bengie Molina is at a disadvantage because he’s not accustomed to playing three-dimensional baseball.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s intelligent, but inexperienced.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
by groug on Aug 3, 2009 11:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
even his sac fly was lucky
not very deep, in foul territory and luckily the fielder was retreating away from home.
for me, it was the groundball to Tejada in the 5th. Miggy bobbles it, rolls over to stop it at the edge of the outfield grass, pivots around on one knee as he’s falling backward and lobs a dying quail over to first.
beats bengie by a step.
by sayheybk on Aug 3, 2009 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sadly, it was more like two steps.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it was one step
Freddy Sanchez was thrown out by two steps on a play that should have been closer, but that Bengie one was somewhat close.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
by groug on Aug 3, 2009 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, it was close, but he was still clearly out.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I mean close-for-Bengie, which is code for “He was actually in the vicinity of the base”
GROUGTHINK ALERT
by groug on Aug 3, 2009 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yea, that was one of those “did that really happen?” plays that leave you speechless for a couple of seconds.
by SeeingStars on Aug 3, 2009 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You left out “makes himself a sandwich” in between “rolls over to stop it at the edge of the outfield grass”, and “pivots around on one knee as he’s falling backward and lobs a dying quail over to first.”
Why couldn't McCovey have hit the ball just three feet higher??
by tobias on Aug 3, 2009 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You left out “pulls out phone to Twitter—I’m poopin!”
by m34josh on Aug 3, 2009 11:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is why
I don’t understand why SS and 2B don’t play Bengie 5 feet on the grass.
Brandon Crawford: Your SF Giants 2011 Opening Day starting SS!
by Azmanz on Aug 5, 2009 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just can’t shake the feeling that Bengie will be back next season. Anyone else get that feeling?
I'm thinking but nothing's happening.
by JRPhillips on Aug 3, 2009 10:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
bite your tongue!
Jonathan Sanchez. He's left-handed, like Barry Zito. His fastball breaks 80, unlike Zito.
by Aadik on Aug 3, 2009 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you kidding? I’m expecting the 3 year, 20 million extension to be announced any day now.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I presume it.
Posey really is not ready to catch at the ML level (no knock against him), so we need someone. It isn’t worth going for a big time FA (assuming that such a thing exists) because we will have Posey by 2011. So that leaves journeyman type of quality, and well, we know him, so…
I’m not advocating that, but you know…
Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit... Maybe.
by Mayor of 311 on Aug 3, 2009 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sign some FA vet who can get on base 30% of the time
Chris Dominguez: Bringing dingerz back to The Bay (In a while)
by CB30 on Aug 3, 2009 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
sure, but who?
Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit... Maybe.
by Mayor of 311 on Aug 3, 2009 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gregg Zaun
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The loser thief in 'Out of Sight'? That guy is hilarious.
Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit... Maybe.
by Mayor of 311 on Aug 3, 2009 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gregg Zaun
Jonathan Sanchez. He's left-handed, like Barry Zito. His fastball breaks 80, unlike Zito.
by Aadik on Aug 3, 2009 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rod Barajas
Chris Dominguez: Bringing dingerz back to The Bay (In a while)
by CB30 on Aug 3, 2009 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
sadly he can’t get on base 30% of the time
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
honestly
I’d prefer Steve Holm at this point
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m really not sure if all the stolen bases he’d give up are canceled out by the 50 points of OBP that he could possibly have on Bengie.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
by groug on Aug 3, 2009 11:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s not like Bengie is that great at throwing runners out anyway.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
he’s pretty terrible. He had a nice stretch during the home stand but normally he 1 hops the throw to second.
by superk1ng on Aug 3, 2009 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I recall Holm as being uniquely terrible.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
by groug on Aug 3, 2009 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He gave up 21 SB to 2 CS last year, which, owch.
This year though… no SB, 2 CS!!!! 100%!
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He gets two a year in the majors
LEAVE HIM IN FRESNO!
GROUGTHINK ALERT
by groug on Aug 3, 2009 11:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What was the Giants’ success rate of stealing bases off Piazza? I seem to recall most of our guys never running on him, and when they did it was like they’d jog to second and get thrown out every damn time. Yet I always thought that when Piazza was behind the plate, I’d have sent every baserunner with a last name that wasn’t Snow running.
I'm thinking but nothing's happening.
by JRPhillips on Aug 4, 2009 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jason Varitek would be Babe Ruth in the NL, we could check him out
Chris Dominguez: Bringing dingerz back to The Bay (In a while)
by CB30 on Aug 3, 2009 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aw yeah! 38 year old catchers
Love ’em
by Viva Jon Miller on Aug 4, 2009 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m desperately hoping Posey’s readiness coincides with the arbitration clock delay thing.
by SeeingStars on Aug 3, 2009 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still feel that Posey will be on the ML roster in 2010. I might be out of touch about that, however, as it’s kind of just the opinion I took when he was drafted and I haven’t adjusted it based on anything that’s happened since then.
Is he really not going to be ML ready enough to displace Molina? I thought he was doing well.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he’ll arrive in 2010, but I’m not sure that he’ll be there at the beginning of 2010. His hitting reports are encouraging, but we really have no idea what the Giants think of his defense at catcher, and it’s entirely possible they’ll want to give him a little more time.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
by groug on Aug 3, 2009 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hasn't AAA kind of stumped him?
"The BB's are out. The BB's are being arseholes to me." - Brian Wilson.
by hairball on Aug 4, 2009 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
.242/.339/.672. Keep him down there for at least the first half of next year if you ask me
by m34josh on Aug 4, 2009 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
his BB/K is pretty much the same
his line looks bad because of batting average
by superk1ng on Aug 4, 2009 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think they might keep him out for a month-ish to keep his clock down and they’ll either go to Bengie and be like, “dude, you can re-sign, but you’re going to be a bench player by July at the latest” and if he’s like “FFFFUUUU”, they can go sign some generic veteran stopgap who won’t mind taking a backup role after a few months.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
More or less.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't recall who was commenting, but
I heard that it was considered quite unlikely to hand this particular pitching staff to someone so junior and inexperienced. One of the last things young catchers really master, apparently, is the game-calling and pitcher-handling aspects of the job. The catcher isn’t just a batter who has another job during alternating half-innings— that’s actually one of those jobs that affects how the pitchers work, and thus the impact is wide.
Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit... Maybe.
by Mayor of 311 on Aug 3, 2009 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly, no.
But that might just be the logic center of my brain not listening to a more advanced form of logic.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
vote Bengie for the All Star Team, imo
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:06 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
That was dumb even before the nosedive into the forbidden land of suck
Chris Dominguez: Bringing dingerz back to The Bay (In a while)
by CB30 on Aug 3, 2009 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly, Stop and think for a second.
How bad is this team without Sanchez and Garko right now?
by jctGamer on Aug 3, 2009 11:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Better question
How much better would this team be with Julio Lugo and Rick Porcello?
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
fapfapfap
Chris Dominguez: Bringing dingerz back to The Bay (In a while)
by CB30 on Aug 3, 2009 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
do not want Julio Lugo =/
Porcello, if memory serves, was a “we won’t sign unless we drop to the Yankees”, and the Tigers came in and said “fuck it we’ll draft you anyway”
by jctGamer on Aug 3, 2009 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
wcw and Neifichicken inspired sarchasm
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
/throws jct a rope
Chris Dominguez: Bringing dingerz back to The Bay (In a while)
by CB30 on Aug 3, 2009 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
JP, do you ever tire of fixating on alternatives that didn't/wouldn't really happen?
Is that what 4 years in the shadow of Harvard does to an intelligent young mind?
Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit... Maybe.
by Mayor of 311 on Aug 3, 2009 11:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
fapfapfapfap.
It’s also good for my skin. So, that’s like two kinds of win for me.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
it was supposed to be for that sick burn…..
by jctGamer on Aug 3, 2009 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He has a burn all right
Chris Dominguez: Bringing dingerz back to The Bay (In a while)
by CB30 on Aug 3, 2009 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
YEAH A FAPBURN AMIRITE!
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Molina" is Spanish for "a quick 0-2"
Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit... Maybe.
by Mayor of 311 on Aug 3, 2009 11:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Thats what Ishikawa means in Japanses too
Chris Dominguez: Bringing dingerz back to The Bay (In a while)
by CB30 on Aug 3, 2009 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That implies usually seeing at least two pitches
by ryanmiles on Aug 4, 2009 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Bengie really is sensitive
Both of the Baggs posts about Bengie / cleanup hitter are now gone.
by jctGamer on Aug 3, 2009 11:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
He can run, but he can't hide
First Baggs Wrote:
Put down your pitchforks for a moment and gather ’round, y’all.
I’m going to tell you a story about a cleanup hitter. He was respected as a solid major league veteran. He had some fantastic seasons. Probably got a couple Hall of Fame votes, too. His son became a big leaguer. He also spent an entire season as a cleanup hitter while compiling a sinfully ugly .254 on-base percentage.
That man was Tony Armas, for the 1983 California Angels.
Here’s another. This man was the most feared power hitter in baseball during his prime. He intimidated writers, too. On a completely random and unrelated note, my grandmother sold shoes to his mother at the Marshall Field’s in Chicago. One day, Gran Gran brought home an autographed photo for my older brother, Jim. I think I may have accidentally thrown up on it. Anyway, the last year of this slugger’s career did not go well. He had a .244 on-base percentage as the primary cleanup hitter for the Oakland A’s.
No, it’s not Jason Giambi. It’s Dave Kingman, for the 1986 club.
Finally, I’ll tell you about another A’s cleanup hitter. But I really don’t know anything about Jeff Newman, so I’ll dispense with the buildup. He had 253 of his 400 or so plate appearances as the cleanup hitter for the A’s in 1979. His OBP was .249. Let’s just say Rickey’s baseball card from that year is worth a little more.
There you go. Three examples that show Bengie Molina’s .268 on-base percentage — the lowest among all major league regulars this season — is not the absolute worst by a cleanup hitter in the post-War era.
Almost. But not the worst.
Tonight’s game story isn’t up yet, but you’ll find plenty more Molina in there for you. Including Bruce Bochy’s thoughts on potentially moving his catcher to a less OBP-friendly spot in the lineup.
With malice towards the Dodgers
by heimy25 on Aug 3, 2009 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, did he wrote something in his pregame notes too?
With malice towards the Dodgers
by heimy25 on Aug 3, 2009 11:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, I wonder if Baggs did it because of pressure from the club WRT access?
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, they were just terrible comments. They were worthless personal attacks. He was right to do it.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
by groug on Aug 3, 2009 11:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, the entire posts are gone
Damn, never mind.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
by groug on Aug 3, 2009 11:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I posted one of them. What did the other say? Is there a chance Bengie moves out of clean up spot?
With malice towards the Dodgers
by heimy25 on Aug 3, 2009 11:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I understand the comments, but the whole posts?
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 3, 2009 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
well you see what Felipe alou did to Larry Krueger
by jctGamer on Aug 3, 2009 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hated Felipe, but I loved hearing him talk.
"Normally, I don’t want to keep people from coming to the park to see Barry hit a home run or to boo him," Alou said. "But Barry is not playing (Sunday). Tell the people to stay home to eat peanuts and drink peanuts."
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/preview?gid=260423127
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 11:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man that guy was funny.
Brian Sabean strongly encourages you to disregard the drudgery of your employment responsibilities and join him in the consumption of spirituous libations.
by satyricrash on Aug 4, 2009 1:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
not only is bengie hitting a robust .231 with RISP...
but with RISP and 2 out he’s hitting .158.
.158
i’ll let it sink in,,,
.158
he has a total of 9 hits with RISP and 2 outs and an incredible 8 RBI’s.
he also has more double plays than hits with RISP and 2 out, standing at a beautiful 10 (which isn’t that bad, all things considered).
where is the clutch bruce?! WHERE IS THE CLUTCH?!
by HOLDEMUPwuzzBANNED on Aug 3, 2009 11:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
On the downside, Molina sucks.
But on the bright side, I’m now well on my way to being a little bit more like him.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 11:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
A few more Choco Tacos will put a little hair on that face.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 11:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
On second thought, downside and brightside are not corallaries.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 11:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
People have wanted something along these lines
With malice towards the Dodgers
by heimy25 on Aug 3, 2009 11:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
There is also this: http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2009/8/3/976348/because-kezargiants-requested-it
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 3, 2009 11:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
ahh nice
With malice towards the Dodgers
by heimy25 on Aug 3, 2009 11:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like this too
Supporting San Francisco Dugout since 2005 and Manny Burriss since 2006, and bringing you all your California League needs since 2009.
by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Aug 4, 2009 12:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rainman Agrees
For Bengie’s sake (as well as the Giants sake) it is time to take the pressure of hittting cleanup off of Molina.
The lineup I would like to see when all eight of our regulars are in the lineup is as follows:
Velez LF (sss aside he should continue to start and leadoff until he shows he shouldn’t)
Sanchez 2B (almost an ideal #2 hitter)
Rowand CF (not ideal but second best hitter on the team this year)
Sandoval 3B (only true middle of the order hitter on the team so he has to hit cleanup)
Garko 1B (not ideal but third best hitter on the team)
Molina C (7th or 8th would prevent pitcher from being able to bunt the 27% of the time he get’s on base)
Winn RF (better then Renteria)
Renteria SS (faster then Molina)
by giantsrainman on Aug 4, 2009 1:34 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Velez at leadoff makes me very, very sad. It’s like taking lolineup, moving Bengie out of the cloleanup spot, and ending up with roflineup.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 4, 2009 7:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
we have no leadoff hitters
seems like Winn would be a good one, but he’s taking the year off.
Randy Winn is in time out until his OBP gets back over .330.
by oldjacket on Aug 4, 2009 8:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol contract year!!
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 4, 2009 8:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
CHILD ABUSE!!!!
Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all
If Dustin Pedroia played in Seattle, not many people would be talking about him.
GET THAT VORP SH!T OUTTA HERE!!!
by baetown415 on Aug 4, 2009 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lewis would actually be an okay leadoff hitter on this team. But as long as Velez has left field locked down…
I had started to think that watching Fred play defense in left was getting hard to defend, but .Every. Single. Play. with Velez in left is a fucking adventure.
That said, I’m not complaining about his hot streak. But, really.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 4, 2009 10:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Winn should not be behind Molina in this batting order.
\clogs basepaths
Why isn't Sabean held accountable for leading the Giants into many years of mediocrity???
by oldrips on Aug 4, 2009 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aaron Rowand should have taken Bengie out to dinner after the game last night. He sucked just as bad but nobody noticed.
Proud new dad of Edgardo errr Edgar Renteria!!!
by rxmeister on Aug 4, 2009 4:47 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Ya, it seemed like he was trying his best to pound the ball as hard as possible into the dirt in front of home plate. Thats not a good strategy
by m34josh on Aug 4, 2009 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bochy was a catcher with career 162 game avg. numbers of .239 BA / 12 Hr / 42 RBI
Somewhere in his head there is room for him to think that Bengie is good.
"Hey old-timer, where am I ?"
"You won't get there from here."
by pynchon59 on Aug 4, 2009 4:49 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Someone is going to claim that everyone is overreacting to last night, but they’ll be wrong.
Randy Winn is in time out until his OBP gets back over .330.
by oldjacket on Aug 4, 2009 7:59 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
OMG UR ALL JUST OVERREACTING TO LAST NIGHT
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Aug 4, 2009 8:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
u r 5
Randy Winn is in time out until his OBP gets back over .330.
by oldjacket on Aug 4, 2009 8:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously!
I really truly think you all ARE overreacting to last night! I mean come on…
Sure he’s batting .258 with a .268 OBP, and sure his OPS+ is a staggering 75. Sure, he’s not come through in clutch situations, and yes he’s the slowest man in baseball, who can get thrown out by Tejada after Tejada bobbles the ball and rainbows it across the diamond to the first baseman while falling over backwards. And sure we all get up for bathroom breaks or beer runs when Molina comes up to bat, knowing we have to be quick because in three pitches the AB will be over, and sure nobody pauses their DVR while taking this break. And sure, statistically speaking he’s among the absolute worst cleanup hitters in baseball history.
But I still think you all are overreacting! He’s a top 5 catcher in baseball, after all. Name me ONE catcher who’s better than Molina right now. Go on, I dare you to try!
I'm thinking but nothing's happening.
by JRPhillips on Aug 4, 2009 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kirt Manwaring
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Aug 4, 2009 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damon Berryhill
THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME (for 3 days in 1995).
by Mike Benjamin Hit King on Aug 4, 2009 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jayhawk Owens
WordUpThome: I CANNOT BELIVE THAT THIS PRODUCT IS NOT BUTTER
Formerly Gallagher's Watermelons
by Player To Be Named Later on Aug 6, 2009 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Redemption
Bengie hits for the cycle tonight-
single- beats out a slow chopper
double- ground rule, jogs into second
triple- having trouble imagining this one
home run- definitely inside the park as left and center fielders collide, both unconscious
"Hey old-timer, where am I ?"
"You won't get there from here."
by pynchon59 on Aug 4, 2009 8:41 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The triple would require several untimely deaths on the field
Chris Dominguez: Bringing dingerz back to The Bay (In a while)
by CB30 on Aug 4, 2009 8:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m imagining an outfielder running into a sink hole and breaking his leg.
by xanthan on Aug 4, 2009 8:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's got 5 triples in his career
Including 2 with the Giants
"The BB's are out. The BB's are being arseholes to me." - Brian Wilson.
by hairball on Aug 4, 2009 9:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They altered the past, I have no memory
Chris Dominguez: Bringing dingerz back to The Bay (In a while)
by CB30 on Aug 4, 2009 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
One of them was this season!
As I recall the ball went over Pierre’s head in center and bounced off the wall past him, rolling back like halfway to the infield.
by taliesin on Aug 4, 2009 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I remember Kruk saying something along the lines of “I just lost my house!”.
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 Aug 7, 2009 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just assume a Molina triple would include that tiger from Naked Gun.
by tyrannoman on Aug 4, 2009 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Bochy should try moving Bengie to lead off. It totally worked with Rowand!
I like cats. Wings is the greatest show of all time.
Tyler Graham is my favorite San Jose Giant because he has smart balls.
by Norm Median on Aug 4, 2009 9:07 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Alright, Aadik, now you get to find a topic for me today, seeing as you ganked this one.
by Grant on Aug 4, 2009 10:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
why let that stop you?
Randy Winn is in time out until his OBP gets back over .330.
by oldjacket on Aug 4, 2009 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Topic: Just how long will it take for Howie’s failbeard to fill in?
by Lars The Wanderer on Aug 4, 2009 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This kinda disturbs me (from Baggs’ story in the paper today):
“No, no, we’ll do what we think is best for the team,” said Bochy, asked if he had to weigh Molina’s pride and stature in the clubhouse. “We’re not concerned for feelings. We’ve got to do what’s right. He’s one of the best clutch hitters, I think, in this game. Whether we keep him there or move him, he’ll get it going. He can hit.”
It's my blarg! Quick Pitch
by can of corn on Aug 4, 2009 11:11 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oops – meant to say that the disturbing part was the line about “He’s one of the best clutch hitters”, when clearly that’s not true. Same with “He can hit.” He can’t. How can Bochy be serious about change when he says these kinds of thing that are so obviously inconsistent with reality?
It's my blarg! Quick Pitch
by can of corn on Aug 4, 2009 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just puked a little in my mouth. I’m not one generally who will say that a manager is wrong (at the end of the day they know a million times more than me) but this Molina stuff just makes 0 sense.
With malice towards the Dodgers
by heimy25 on Aug 4, 2009 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did you just say...
“At the end of the day”?
Are you Brian Sabean?
(Trick question. Brian Sabean does not use the internet)
by The Double Deuce on Aug 4, 2009 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bochy Is Making His Judgement Based On Career Stats And His Professional View Of Bengie's Talent Level
You (and most everyone else here at the McCoven) are making your judgment based on this year’s stats (much smaller sample size) and your amature view of Bengie’s talent level. While I agree that it is time to move Molina down in the batting order I also agree with Bochy’s judgment that Bengie is more likely then not to return to his previous production (talent level) for the rest of the year then he is to stay in his current funk.
by giantsrainman on Aug 4, 2009 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why does Bochy have to let Molina snap out of the funk in one of the most important parts of the lineup? He should really put him in a less important part of the order so he can get his swing back
With malice towards the Dodgers
by heimy25 on Aug 4, 2009 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I Agree.
I stated so above and I think Bruce is coming around to this way of thinking as well.
by giantsrainman on Aug 4, 2009 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I mean, Rowand was struggling, presumably looking to hit for too much power from where he was in the middle of the lineup. Bochy put him in the leadoff spot so that Rowand would be more patient, look for better pitches, and think more about getting on base than hitting homers. It worked. Rowand became a much better hitter for what our lineup needed.
There has to be a change made like this for Molina. Put him lower in the order so he doesn’t have to be some sort of power bat.
With malice towards the Dodgers
by heimy25 on Aug 4, 2009 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
OR!
Put him in the leadoff spot!
GENIUS!
by AmorVincitOmnia on Aug 4, 2009 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bochy put him in the leadoff spot so that Rowand would be more patient, look for better pitches, and think more about getting on base than hitting homers.
Rowan didn’t really do any of those things, though. He swung at more first pitches than almost anybody else, and rarely took any at bats deep. The only difference was that he started making better contact, which didn’t have a whole lot to do with changing his approach in order to hit leadoff.
Not that there was no psychological aspect to the thing. But I’d put a lot more money on “he got hot for a while” than “he got his head straight!” because Rowand is a ridiculously streaky player.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 4, 2009 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know that you can really say it’s just a “current funk” he’s in… The last time his OPS was above .800 was May 21. Even in the dingerz category, he hit 4 in April and 4 in May, then two in June and one in all of July and August. What about his batting? The last time his average was above .300 was May 14th, and the last time his OBP was above .300 was May 19th.
You could be right that he’ll get better again, but it currently looks like his hot April was more of an abberation than his piss-poor May, relatively improved June, and awful July.
I'm thinking but nothing's happening.
by JRPhillips on Aug 4, 2009 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
his career stats aren’t very good either, they’re okay for a catcher.
But career stats become less important when you’re talking about 34 year old catchers. Every slump, especially 3 month long slumps, may be the last.
I don’t think we should bench him for Eli Freakin Whiteside, but waiting for Begie to do what he did last year seems foolish.
Randy Winn is in time out until his OBP gets back over .330.
by oldjacket on Aug 4, 2009 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
IAWTC.
It's my blarg! Quick Pitch
by can of corn on Aug 4, 2009 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
His ZiPS rest-of-season projected wOBA is .310
That’s astoundingly bad for a cleanup hitter. He’s also a horrible defensive catcher.
He’s godawful.
Linda's in the cold ground, won't see her anymore
Somewhere out on the highway tonight, the drunken engines roar
It's just one of those things, one of those things
-- Al Stewart, "Accident on 3rd St."
In memory of Nick Adenhart and all victims of drunk driving
by PaulThomas on Aug 5, 2009 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or he could be old and have lost his skills.
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 Aug 7, 2009 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Bengie had any genuine concern for this team, he would ask to be moved down in the order.
It isn’t about winning.
by Lars The Wanderer on Aug 4, 2009 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is what bothers me about the “gamers” on these teams. Sure management is stupid for not doing it to begin with but some of these players need to take it upon themselves and ask for change.
by SeeingStars on Aug 4, 2009 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Name A Player That Has Ever Done This.
This is a completely bogus bitch. i don’t want losers that think this way on my team.
by giantsrainman on Aug 4, 2009 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What Is The Quote? Where Is The Link?
I would be very suprised if he asked to be moved down in the batting order. More likely he just said he had no issue with being moved down which Bengie also said in the first half when Bochy previously mentioned that this was being considered. I am sure Molina would say this again now if asked again.
by giantsrainman on Aug 4, 2009 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was off a SUN pre-game report, or whatever Dish Network channel that carries the Rays. No quotes, just commented on meeting between two parties. Pena moved to 5th as a result.
I don’t know whats lip-service between players and the media, but if Bengie was so okay with a move I seriously don’t see how Bochy can refuse. Obviously whatever Pena said hit well with Maddon for him to move him.
by SeeingStars on Aug 4, 2009 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There Is Not A Competitor Anywhere In Sports That Thinks This Way
This requires players to have no confidence in their own ability to come out of thier slump and they would have no hope of ever doing so if this is how they thought.
by giantsrainman on Aug 4, 2009 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't know if this has been mentioned or not
…but Baggs said in an interview today that Bochy is actually considering dropping Bengie from the cleanup spot.
by GrooveGiant on Aug 4, 2009 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Must have been a short consideration. He’s still there.
/bangs head against rock
It's my blarg! Quick Pitch
And I tweet (more often then I blarg).
by can of corn on Aug 4, 2009 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol Dodger fans thinks Russel Martin Sucks
by jctGamer on Aug 4, 2009 1:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Bengie's Avg and OBP would be a bit higher if he could freakin run.
He must have 10 or more should of been infield hits by mediocre runners, that he has been nabbed at first by at least 20 feet. He has at least 7 or 8 singles that would have been doubles off the outfied wall. Perhaps some of them would have been triples. He has a natural talent for hitting, totally wasted. He would swing at chit on a fly if it came within 3 feet of the low outside corner. You would think, on a team that was dominated by Bonds, one of the more discrimating hitters, that a guy like Bengie would learn, that if he waits out a pitcher he just might get a pitch he could do damage with. Right now swinging. or flailing away at anything within 3 zip codes is highly detrimental. Not only that, but he clogs up the freakin bases. He is lucky to score from third on a triple. He is the only guy who hit a homerun, and was pinch run for at first base. The guy should be batting 10th or 11th in the lineup. Which means first or second up pinch hitter.
by bradleybear on Aug 4, 2009 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOLina may actually be worse in the cleanup spot than lower in the lineup. I’m speculating, but I wouldn’t put it past him to think “cleanup hitters get RBIZzzzz and you don’t get those with walks. Better swing at anything close and put it in play.”
Then again, he probably would do that in the 8th spot when an opposing team was trying to walk him.
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Aug 4, 2009 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
By the way.
I thought Bengie’s idiotic pitch callilng is what cost Cain the game. His pitch was going right for Bengie’s glove on what Molina called and low and behold “gone, out of here” both dingers. Matt, you can’t trust what Bengie calls.
by bradleybear on Aug 4, 2009 2:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Molina batting cleanup again tonight
LF Velez
2B F. Sanchez
3B Sandoval
C Molina
1B Garko
RF Winn
CF Rowand
SS Renteria
P J. Sanchez
With malice towards the Dodgers
by heimy25 on Aug 4, 2009 2:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Let the suck continue
Why isn't Sabean held accountable for leading the Giants into many years of mediocrity???
by oldrips on Aug 4, 2009 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
reverse jinx
Randy Winn is in time out until his OBP gets back over .330.
by oldjacket on Aug 4, 2009 9:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Bochy actually knows what he's doing...?
Now, I know why Bochy bats Bengie cleanup. Molina has zero offensive value other than driving in runs. So, despite the fact that he’s not a great RBI guy at least he has a tiny bit of value at cleanup, whereas he is worthless anywhere else in the lineup.
Eugenio "Skinny Panda" Velez post All Star OPS 1.079
by cybermaldonado on Aug 6, 2009 8:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
This is like a vortex.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Aug 6, 2009 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
ProTip
To provoke an attack of Money write a lengthy attack post about him.
NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?
by victor frankenstein on Aug 8, 2009 7:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
He's the cleanup hitter.
Well, of course there’s this little quote from Bochy (in yesterday’s Merc):
The Giants have discussed moving Bengie Molina out of the cleanup spot, but the catcher is silencing his critics. Molina drove in three runs and homered for the second straight game.
“He is a big part of this offense,” Manager Bruce Bochy said. “He is my cleanup hitter.”
So I guess his recent attempts at playing like a professional baseball hitter have bought him the eternal clean up spot. Dammit.
It's my blarg! Quick Pitch
And I tweet (more often then I blarg).
by can of corn on Aug 10, 2009 4:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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