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Hello and happy Monday.
As I stated a few words ago, it is Monday. You might remember Monday from such hits as, “The season could be canceled as early as Monday.”
It doesn’t look like it will, mostly because Rob Manfred is stubborn, and not in the way that makes people say, “I like that about you” and actually mean it.
The St. Louis Cardinals are now dealing with a coronavirus outbreak, and in telling news, two star players decided to opt out of the season through the weekend: The Milwaukee Brewers Lorenzo Cain, and the New York Mets Yoenis Cespedes.
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) August 1, 2020
When Yoenis Cespedes didn't show up today, the Mets sent security to his room. They found it empty. He had taken his belongings, just up and left, and through his agent informed the team mid-game that he was opting out, according to Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 2, 2020
It appears that MLB will continue to march on, despite a pandemic that’s impacting numerous teams, and some of its most important players opting out.
Did Barry Bonds hit a home run today?
Why yes he did. Many times.
August 3, 1993: Against the San Diego Padres, Bonds hit a solo home run in the 4th inning off of Doug Brocail. It gave the Giants a 2-0 lead, and they would win 12-7. It was his 32nd homer of the year.
August 3, 1994: Against the Cincinnati Reds, Bonds hit a solo home run in the 3rd inning off of John Roper. It cut the Giants deficit to 6-2, and they would lose 17-4. It was his 36th homer of the year.
August 3, 1996: Against the Houston Astros, Bonds hit a solo home run in the 2nd inning off of Shane Reynolds. It cut the Giants deficit to 2-1, and they would lose 4-1. It was his 29th homer of the year.
August 3, 2002: Against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Bonds hit a 3-run home run in the 2nd inning off of Kip Wells, scoring Rich Aurilia and Jason Schmidt. It gave the Giants a 5-0 lead, and they would win 11-6. It was his 30th homer of the year.
August 3, 2004: Against the Cincinnati Reds, Bonds hit 2 home runs off of Cory Lidle. A 3-run shot in the 3rd inning scored Ricky Ledee and J.T. Snow, and gave the Giants a 4-0 lead. A solo shot in the 7th inning gave them a 7-0 lead, and was sandwiched between blasts by Snow and Pedro Feliz, giving them back-to-back-to-back homers, en route to an 11-0 win. They were his 28th and 29th homers of the year.
Giants links
- Grant Brisbee on how the Giants have been scoring runs, which is rare (The Athletic, subscription required)
- Andrew Baggarly on how the Giants have faith, but need more than that with a daunting schedule ahead (The Athletic, subscription required)
- Alex Pavlovic on why the Giants made the Billy Hamilton trade (NBC Sports Bay Area)
- Steve Berman on how the Giants look ragged, but are gaining confidence (The Athletic, subscription required)
- Mark W. Sanchez on how a blister that led to losing a pitch could explain Jeff Samardzija’s rough start (KNBR)
- Alex Didion on Chadwick Tromp getting a text from the Prime Minister of Aruba after his call up (NBC Sports Bay Area)
- Alex Pavlovic with takeaways from the series finale (NBC Sports Bay Area)
Have a wonderful Monday!