Can S.F. play spoiler to L.A.?

Absolutely.

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Bonds to have elbow surgery

An MRI taken on tuesday has reportedly shown that Bonds will require surgery as early as next week to remove bone chips that have been bothering him all season.

The surgery will be performed by Dr. Art Ting, the same physician who performed the three operations on Bonds' knee.

Bonds is currently unsure how soon the surgery will be performed. "I don't know. I'll know more once the doctors look at the pictures. It doesn't look likely. It will probably be like Monday."

A Picture is Worth One Thousand Words

Another lifeless season of Giants baseball comes to a close
They finally got their wish. They've officially pissed me off.

You would have thought they had hit my breaking point when they lost eight in a row to Pittsburgh and Washington, two of the worst teams in baseball.

Yes.

Pittsburgh and Washington.

They are a combined 135-179 on the year. The Giants were unable to beat once in nine games two teams that are a combined 44 games under .500.

At the time, they had just returned to the top of the National League West, a place they had not been since the beginning of the season.

What happenned?

They say in a full season that the more talented teams eventually rise over others despite the luck involved in the game itself. I am without a doubt a firm believer in Sabermetrics, however this time around, I believe there is another variable that has contributed to this clubs losses.

Put simply, they have not been ready to play. Whose job is it to make sure they're prepared? None other than Felipe Alou. Not once has he stopped to challenge this team when it was in the middle of a slide. Not once has he done anything to address the clubhouse dynamics issue.

The team itself can win! That is what pisses me off the most! They've shown they can win, but have not had the guidance from the top to mold their talents effectively. This should have happenned in Washington, Pittsburgh at the latest. However after losing three more to the Nationals at home, IT STILL didn't happen. What resulted? In ability to provide any sort of winning consistency, which spread through to the remainder of the season.

Felipe, I'm sorry but it is time for you to step down. Two consistencies that you have seen are in the San Diego and Los Angeles ballclubs this season; their guys are hungry and ready to play.

You did nothing last year and again this year, something Giants fans shouldn't forget anytime soon.

Giants swept in Milwaukee

One bad pitch signaled the end of Cain's game and another reminder that their season is coming to a close.

Giants have now lost 9 of 11 on this roadtrip.

More to come later...

September 23rd: Bonds ties N.L. record

Pitching blows it again in 13-12 loss

MILWAUKEE - By now it is no secret that the San Francisco Giants are not a playoff caliber team. Going into a much anticipated road trip, the starting pitching fell apart, forcing a strain on the bullpen that, as last night showed, finally hit its breaking point.

Not even 6 RBI's from Bonds and a total of 11 runs scored was enough to hold off the Brewers who many will agree are not exactly the New York Yankees.

Ron Wotus was quick to pick up where Felipe Alou usually leaves off, attributing the loss to luck. "The run that beat us was a groundball that found the seam," said Wotus, in charge because Felipe Alou was serving a one-game suspension. "If he hit it at somebody the run doesn't score." As usual, there was no mention of the inherited runners that Chulk took on after Kline gave up a single and a double to place runners on second and third. After issuing a couple of singles and walks himself, Chulk ultimately put himself in a position to be scored upon whether the ball was hit to someone or not.

It has become clear that managers have come full circle. As opposed to scolding our much hated former closer Armando Benitez, they have decided to apply his philosophy to every player in the clubhouse.

So Giants fans, from now on, we can rely on Finley misplaying another flyball, Feliz striking out once again and Noah Lowry's giving up 5 ER's in the second inning to all be validated with that now famous phrase, "I did my job".


Bonds ties N.L. homerun record

Launching number 733 into center field in the sixth inning, you would have thought that the game would have gotten coverage on ESPN. You would have thought that of the 21,796 fans attending the game, someone would have noticed that Bonds had tied Hank Aaron, a former Brewer, for career homeruns in the National League.

Nothing.

What is even more complex is you can tell Bonds doesn't care. This is almost how he wants it to happen. At no point has he expressed remorse for the lack of media coverage. Bonds' only regret was that he hit it at Miller Park and not Milwaukee County Stadium, where Aaron played for years.

"It would have been kind of cool in the old ballpark because it is where he actually played his games," Bonds said. "Nevertheless, it is still in Milwaukee and it is still great."

Barry Bonds is simply the best player this generation has ever seen. Whether he took steroids or not, the degree to which he was able to identify pitches and turn on them is unlike anything the sport has ever seen.

Love him or hate him, last night was sad. Why?

A benchmark in America's pasttime was hit last night and no one in America got a chance to watch it.

Whose to blame?

After a horrid road trip, it is clear the Giants are not a playoff caliber team. It begs the question, whose to blame?



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Interesting Stat

Fighting from the start

Giants starting pitching has given up 16 runs in the 1st inning in all 6 games of this roadtrip.

September 20th: Alou throws tardy fit

Too little, too late
COLORADO - Immediately following a walk in the eighth inning, Felipe Alou finally realized his team needed a kick start. After adding five runs in the top of the inning, losing four games in a row and falling out of playoff contention, then and only then does he take action.

Alou addressed Chulk in Spanish, which he speaks fluently, but he declined to say what exactly. "I used a word I very seldom use," Alou said. "It was the first time I used it this year on the mound."

Todd Greene spoke triumphantly after last night's show of offense, including his two run triple in the eighth. "If our starting pitchers hadn't pitched well, we would be 15 games out right now. They picked us up all year. It's time for us to pick them up, give them some runs early and give them some room to breathe."

Schimdt's critics were hushed last night, as he battled through 4.2 innings, walking seven. While not his best performance, he has been battling back issues as of late, showing determination in pitching through discomfort. "I don't think something is right," said Felipe Alou. "We all appreciated his effort."


Brink of elimination

Unless the Padres collapse and L.A. loses a few, the Giants chances are slim to none. With Morris struggling, tonight seems to be the last straw. His season has been an advertisement for mediocrity and at times, disastrous.

A loss tonight is the nail in the coffin.

Time to hold your breath.

New season, same story

Giants fans, bust out your Dido albums, grab a few brews and lets get this year's end of season depression night over with. It's December 31. After losing four in a row, outscored 52-17, the team's season and the fan's year may as well be over.

In that night of depression we are forced to mull over what could have been. The Giants record when scoring four runs or more? 62-27. We sit and ponder how our starters could jump 21 points in only 8 starts and STILL rank 5th in the National League. They were that good.

For the third year in a row, we ponder how 90 million dollars was not enough to get us into October. Every time it seemed like they gained momentum, they were verociously knocked back to where they started and once again, under .500.

Stories like Matt Cain's tremendous second half turnaround and Ray Durham's revitalized season, while inspiring, were never enough to carry the team forward. Dragging through the season, they were simply plagued with mediocrity.

So pull up a chair Giants nation and wait for the final series against the Dodgers. Lets see if we can't at least upset the Dodger faithful.

Then and only then, can we finally bid farewell to our dismal season and cheer; Happy New Years.

Season over, Felipe Alou late as always

Bottom 2nd: Colorado
- G. Atkins lined out to third
- M. Holliday singled to right
- T. Helton singled to center, M. Holliday to third
- J. Baker homered to deep left, T. Helton and M. Holliday scored
- S. Munter relieved N. Lowry


You're in the playoff hunt, Lowry has already given up 6 ER in the first inning. It is common sense; you give him a short leash in the second. Line out? Alright, it's an out. Single to right? Ok, one more and he's gone.

That single came.

Felipe Alou did not pull him.

3 run homerun.

Have a nice retirement Felipe--thanks for everything.

St. Louis Blues

When it rains, it pours
ST. LOUIS - When Jason Schmidt bowed out of Friday night's match up due to back stiffness, there was some unease but not panic. Hennessey, who typically pitched well on the road this season, was due to take the mound and could be expected to keep the game close. The team had shown some offensive power in their latest homestand and had one of the best records of the past month to show for it.

It took only four swings; two coming from Cardinals rookie Chris Duncan and the others from then slumping third baseman Scott Rolen. The blowout changed everything.

Allowing six runs and five hits in the first two innings, the Giants had no chance. "For whatever reason, the past month and a half, I haven't been the same person I was the first three months," Hennessey said. "I've got to find my way back there."

It might not have been that bad if the problems had stopped there. The domino effect continued however, as the Giants batted a sad .205 over the two game series. Sunday's rain delay was a blessing in disguise for the club struggling to remain in the playoff race. As usual, Felipe Alou refused to acknowledge the momentum loss.

"Maybe we caught a break," Alou said. "Ray was not in the lineup, Barry was not in the lineup. I know (Omar) Vizquel could use an off day, and Moises (Alou). You never know. It's hard to tell, but I'm not mad about this rain. This is a very good off day for us."

Sad words from a coach who does not see to realize that the Giants were not doing well with all their starters in the lineup.

With no surprise, the Padres have taken two of three in a four game series against Los Angeles, keeping the Giants in the race for the N.L. West. It has become apparent that no one can stop Ryan Howard and the Phillies from taking the Wild Card.

In order to remain in the race, the Giants will need to dominate in both Milwaukee and Colorado. The goal? To have a chance for a playoff birth going into the final series against Los Angeles.

For now, Giants fans should tune into tonight's game. It may be tough, but cheering for Dodger blue may be their best hope for now.

St. Louis Massacre

San Francisco Giants

v.
St. Louis Cardinals
Series Thread

UPDATE

O.K., so the Giants clearly had an awful series. Whose to blame?

__


We stole Matheny. We stole Kline. We stole Morris. But can we steal 3 games from a struggling St. Louis team on the road?

I am traveling all the way to St. Louis to find out. My family has been longtime friends with Tony LaRussa, so I am getting the opportunity to attend the games on Friday and Saturday.

It looks like I am going to get a chance to get on the field for batting practice too, so let me know what to tell any Giants players if I get a chance!

Talk to you guys on Sunday. Go Giants.

-C.D.


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September 14th: Matt Cain shuts down Colorado

Rookie pitcher makes bid for rookie of the year
SAN FRANCISCO - The Giants needed a win this afternoon and nobody was more equal to the task than Matt Cain. "Every game counts now. Everybody is watching the scoreboard," said the 22 year old rookie after the game. Trust me Matt, they're watching you too.

This past month Cain is 4-0 with a 0.26 ERA. He has struck out 36 batters in 34 innings, coming close several times to no-hitters. Name the last time anyone has ever said that about a pitcher, let alone a rookie.

With a ten game roadtrip ahead of them, starting in St. Louis and finishing in Milwaukee, there was nothing more the team needed then momentum coming in. While it has yet to be seen if the Giants truly are contenders this season, two dramatic losses for L.A. in Chicago is making San Francisco fans believe that anything is possible. San Diego has had success against the Dodgers going 11-4. Certainly the best case scenario would be a split series, launching the Giants into the heart of the N.L. West race if they can continue to win on the road.

Whether they can is another story, but at least for now, this one day, a rookie pitcher has made a phrase popular once again.

Cain is able.

September 13th: 5th Inning blows it for Giants

Dose of Reality
SAN FRANCISCO - Just as quickly as things turn good, they can turn bad. A day after climbing to a game and a half deficit in the wild card, everyone turned a win while the Giants continued to have struggles with the bullpen.

Unable to get a hold when needed, Jamey Wright did possibly the worst thing a reliever could do for his team--issued walks. Surprisingly, the Giants made a game of it, coming back to score 4 runs in the bottom of the inning. Scott Munter in his first major league at bat hit a RBI ground rule double. Ultimately, the inning would prove insurmountable in a 9-8 loss to Colorado.

This was without a doubt a disappointing loss. If the Giants are going to make a serious run at the playoffs, they must win against weaker opponents like Colorado. Last night pointed out a few discouraging truths.

The back and forth movement from bullpen to starter have clearly shooken up Hennessey and as we saw last night, Jamey Wright. He had absolutely no command, throwing a wild pitch and walking Garrett Atkins before surrending a two run single. Felipe Alou's indecisiveness has taken a toll on both their arms and keeping them from getting into healthy routines.

"I'm more worried about how my arm reacts to juggling, going back and forth", said Hennessey. "The last juggle back from the bullpen to starting, the recovery time for my arm took twice as long as it used to, instead of when I started all the time and it felt great."

Most importantly however, the Giants need to return to playing small ball, a key to their success over the past month. The error by Durham in the fifth that should have been a double play and Todd Greene's inability to throw a runner out at second on a pitch out are plays that just can't happen if they expect to make the playoffs.

At this point the story is adjust or go home. Tonight's game will be pivotal as the Giants look to take momentum into their trip to St. Louis.


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Do they have a chance at a playoff berth?

They've played well recently on the road. They go into St. Louis who have been struggling as of late. Schulman says no.

What do you think?

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September 11th: Giants slam Colorado for 10 runs

Schulman still believes they have no shot

Henry Schulman has no idea what he is talking about. Yes, I said it.

I know, it's a bit surprising. He has been reporting on Giants baseball for years which makes you think he would have learned something.

In a podcast interview, Schulman said, "The Giants have no chance to make the playoffs...It's hard to point to one game as must win [but the final game against the Padres] was...They will have to go 16-3, 15-4 in order to get a shot which they just can't do".

First and foremost, it is unbelievable to me that nobody has pointed out that the Dodgers are 1-3 against Chicago and 3-11 against San Diego this season. It amazes me that accross baseball, writers and broadcasters are considering San Francisco out of the N.L. West Pennant race. With an ugly loss last night against the Cubs, the Dodgers are playing 4 against a team that has dominated them all season. They can only hope to split the series.

Now what does this mean for San Francisco? According to Schulman, they would need to win at least 15 games to finish the season in the playoffs. If both the Padres and the Dodgers continue to struggle through their current series, it is very likely they trade 4 games, leaving an opportunity for the Giants to creap to the top of the division.

This is where their road trip comes into play. They will fly to St. Louis, Colorado and finish up in Milwaukee. "Although they have been playing better lately on the road, I don't see them winning in St. Louis even though they have been slumping lately". Schulman, looking to sell papers has to say this. Whether the Giants pull off some wins away from home is still to be seen.

Their last road trip, they came home 5-5. While they will without a doubt need to play better than .500 baseball to go for the N.L. West title, I can tell you without a doubt if they finished 16-3 as Schulman suggested, they would take the division with room to spare.

Look at the numbers Henry. It's all there.

September 10th: Morris hit hard

Giants unable to sweep in 10-2 Loss
Mark Smoyer of The Splash recently wrote:

"On Sunday evening, the Giants played 19 players...But these various call-ups, some of whom were regulars for quite a while this season, couldn't do anything about Matt Morris. Felipe Alou could have, by taking him out a bunch of batters earlier, say before the Padres' pitcher, Woody Williams, had had a chance to get three hits off his counterpart."

This is another classic example of a writer who has not been watching the games. Morris has been very similar to Noah Lowry this season. He will have a bad inning early and then settle down for the rest of the game.

Felipe Alou said it himself and Smoyer himself even quoted this in his article. "This guy is a tremendous starter, and you just don't pull a Matt Morris when you're down 4-0. You expect him to right himself like he did last time, like he's done all year."

Everything evens out in the end and last night certainly proved that point. Ray Durham's double in the 2nd after gold glover Mike Cameron lost it in the sun was a gift, but the Giants were unable to capitalize. After a hit by Williams the pitcher the top of the 3rd, Dave Roberts cashed in on the sun's position himself, knocking a double over the outstretched arm of Finley.

San Diego however took advantage, following up with a Brian Giles single and a double by Todd Walker. So what normally would have been a quicker inning was in fact a blow out. With Morris' record, there is no reason why Felipe Alou had any reason to remove the starting pitcher at that point. This said, by one of his harshest critics.

Armando Benitez, please take a lesson from your teammate in how to take a loss. "Today just wasn't my day, and I'll take the blame," said Morris. "Woody beat me with his bat and beat me with his pitching. I'll tip my cap to him, even if I don't want to."

Now that's class.

September 9th, 2006: The Stanton Effect

Stanton gets win as Giants rout Pads 5-4 in 11

SAN FRANCISCO - Most writers will sit and talk up the performance of Bonds, Hillenbrand or even Sweeney's ninth inning heroics. Without a blink, I would be the first to grant credit to Durham and his ultimate game winning triple. Lets for a second take a new look however and see where we were before last week.

Put simply, signing Armando Benitez was clearly one of the biggest mistakes in recent Giants history. While Sabean acknowledged the Edgardo Alfonzo fiasco, he at the very least was given the opportunity to save face in a straight swap with the Angels for Steve Finley. The last time I checked, Alfonzo was working his way back to the majors in Toronto's farm system.

The Benitez situation was interesting however. Baseball at times seemed to actually bail him out. With an exception of maybe one or two outings, Benitez has been a hitable pitcher all season long.

The main problem with the veteran closer was that he never knew it. He considered three hard hit balls into the defense an out. Then the following week, those balls by no one's surprise would drop or leave the ballpark. Opposed to showing a hint of humility, Benitez took to blaming the fans for forgetting the three successful but shaky outings he had accumulated the week before.

Not only did his splitter not split, but the fallen closer was a power pitcher who didn't realize he no longer had power.

Anyone in baseball will tell you closing is the hardest job in the business. Not only do you get the loss on your record, but it determines how your team goes into the clubhouse and the next day.

This was precisely why Termell Sledge's homerun tonight seemed even more strange, only his second in the majors both of which against the Giants. The first had been against Armando Benitez, the beginning point of a freefall just after a five game winning streak and a short lived lead in the National League West.

Why you ask after a win like today's should I rehash the nasty points of the season? One word: appreciation.

There was not one person in San Francisco who understood why Brian Sabean brought Mike Stanton in from Washington before the trade deadline.

"We were seeking experience, and the fact that he's left-handed made it a win-win," said Sabean. Seeking experience for a team already loaded with veterans?

No one would have thought that the 39 year old would prove to be the Randy Winn of 2006. This past week, Stanton has pitched seven scoreless innings recording a win and four saves. In a bullpen of pitchers that Felipe Alou termed not "closer types", the veteran pitcher took the position by default. In the league since 1989, Alou figured he was the likely to be the least tense in tight situations. Looks like the move paid off.

Bonds has turned on, Hillenbrand has looked like the player we picked up, Cain has lived up to his potential and Durham has decided to play through injuries and shown real promise. There are a number of reasons why this team has turned around.

Just make sure not to forget number 38 out there. If Benitez has taught Giants fans anything this season, it's that closing's not easy.

September 8th, 2006: Cain flirts with no-no

Cain excels under Morris' tutelage

When signing Morris to a three year contract in December of 2005, no one thought twice when Sabean declared, ''Simply put, Matt Morris is a winner". While hinting to his performance on the mound, the Giants GM has no idea the nine year veteran would find new ways to help the cause serving as mentor to young Matt Cain.

"We just kind of hit it off, in the spring, started maybe working out a little bit together, and started to get to know each other," Cain said. "It's just been a good relationship. I ask him a ton of questions, and he answers them ... a lot."

Ten years his senior, Morris tends to see much of himself in the young fireballer from Dothan, Alabama. Much like Cain, Morris had been a much coveted prospect out of Valley Central High School in New York and had experience the high expectations. In his professional baseball debut, he struck out the first three batters he faced in rout to a 5 inning shutout win. Then cardinals assistant GM Hern Scorcher was blown away.

"We were like, 'Wow, this guy is something special...I would say he is the most hyped guy we've ever had."

Sound familiar?

Ranked as the Giants Top Prospect in 2005 and regarded as one of the top 15 in major league baseball, Cain has had high expectations to live up to. When listening to the 22 year old hurler talk, you can't help but see Morris' tutelage.

"A lot of the pressure that always happens I think is something people put on themselves,'' Cain said. "It's nothing these guys should do to put pressure on me. It's all up to me and what I do with it is my own decision. I'm going to go out there and try to keep competing everyday and however it comes out is going to come out.''

While getting off to a rocky start to begin the 2006 campaign, the rookie has been lights out in the second half. In his last five starts, he is 4-0, giving up one earned run while stricking out 36 in 34 innings pitched. Last night was just a reminder of the potential of this kid, as he dominated San Diego with one hit in seven scoreless innings in a 4-0, bringing the Giants within 2.5 games of the wild card.

Every Giants fan who has followed young Cain's career has to remember his first major league start against Colorado, at home in 2004. With his parents in the stands, no one can forget as the camera panned to his parents, Tom and Delores, sitting nervously in the stands. Right before his son's first pitch, you did not need a camera to see the words that came from his father's mouth, "Here we go".

Coming off a masterpiece last night, Cain has fans asking where can't this kid go. While a crowd of 39,000 stood and applauded, there was a veteran pitcher waiting in the dugout with a big smile. His protege was reaching his potential and nothing could make a teacher prouder.

Game of Chess

On Thursday, September 7th, Ray Ratto wrote:

"The whole key to signing Bonds is this: Can Jeff Borris, his agent, convince Peter Magowan that (a) Bonds is worth having and (b) has other bidders for Bonds' services? If he can't manage (a), (b) doesn't matter. If he wins on (a), then (b) determines how much money Bonds will command. And that determines whether Brian Sabean can begin the restructuring of the roster he has wanted to undertake for at least two years.

But know this: Bonds doesn't have to leave for that to happen. It just takes a little more thought than most of us media slobs have given it."

While Ratto may not be a slob, he is certainly sloppy. Here is a classic example. He attempted to simplify the issue into two components; is Bonds worth having and are there others who want him. If only it were that simple.

Lets begin with Jeff Borris, who is quite simply one of the best agents out there for Bonds' specific situation. We are talking about a guy that somehow convinced San Diego that 100 year old Rickey Henderson could still contribute. It's a chess game and nobody understands it better than him.

The game began in the beginning of the season. Going through a PR nightmare with the BALCO investigation (you all know the story) Bonds still had value; he could still hit. While he had a shortened 2005 campaign in which he played only 14 games, he still had managed to hit 5 home runs on one leg. Seeing this leverage, Borris did the wise thing and advised his client to promote what he could still do which is hit. "I'd love baseball if I was a DH," Bonds told reporters. "I'd love baseball if I played every day. The game's the same."

Bonds had made his move. One thing they failed to realize however was the degree to which Giants owner Magowan understands public relations. Just years earlier, the owner single handedly convinced a group of investors to buy the team and later negotiated with the city to build a new stadium in the North Beach area. This guy is no slouch. While acknowledging Bonds' presence in Giants history, he told SI, "It might be better for Barry to be a DH than going out there in left field and standing on his feet after he's been standing on his feet on first base. It doesn't give him any time to rest. It may be a healthier situation for him to be a DH."

The wisest move on Magowan's part however was that he repeatedly told the press that negotiations will wait until the end of the season. Not only did this place pressure on Bonds to perform, but it also gave time for the BALCO scandal to drag on. Don't get me wrong, it's not like the Giants owner enjoyed the bad press, but he recognized it and used it to his advantage. Every time Bonds' longtime friend Greg Anderson has returned to jail, every owner and GM in baseball is reminded of the baggage that would come with the slugger.

So now if we return to Ratto's simplistic two points, the answers are a little more evident.

Is Bonds worth having?

It is obvious Bonds' health lately has dramatically improved. Even before his resurgence however, it has been pretty obvious his contributions to the team when he is in the lineup. Even before the injury, over the three previous seasons the team was 258-161 when he was in the lineup and just 28-37 without him. There is absolutely no question that he can provide the team a high value if he is willing to except a contract alla Frank Thomas (low base with incentives).

This is where Ratto misses. Magowan is not in the hot seat, Borris is. There are no other takers for Bonds other than San Francisco. Nobody wants the drama, PR nightmare or the baggage the slugger would bring. Why? Because Magowan won the PR game. That's all it is. A game.

Here's the obvious question. How do I know Magowan won?

In a postgame interview last August, Bonds said, "My choice is not to leave San Francisco. I'm going to wait though, do some things. I'll let you guys know, and I'm pretty sure (the Giants) will let you know, too."

If you listen closely, somewhere you can hear Magowan sitting in his office, chuckling, "checkmate".

Leap of Faith

Linden's ninth inning grab showed fans what it takes for a playoff birth: a lot of hustle and a little luck

In the end, the west will be won by whichever team wins the most games. Any five year-old would tell you exactly the same.

Up by one run, going into the ninth with a veteran relief pitcher thrown into the closer role placed there in a "you're all we got" scenario, you have to wonder whether a little faith couldn't help at this point.

With one out, Juan Castro hit what seemingly was a blow that would end turn the tides. The Reds would tie it up and win in extras. Stanton would suddenly show his true form, Benitez would return to his same form and fans would suddenly be looking forward to the promise of an active offseason.

But then it happenned.

Out of nowhere, Todd Linden made a catch that changed everything. Not only did he save the game, he saved our faith. Not in just a playoff birth, but in our makeshift closer. In our ability to win without Bonds in the lineup. In our resolve that there may in fact still be a chance that we could make the playoffs.

In the end, the west will be won by whoever wins the most games. But with plays like Linden's in the ninth, it reminds you that a little faith can't hurt either.

September 6th, 2006: Sanchez earns first win

Ray Durham Homers Twice, Giants win 3-2

CINCINATTI -- It seems once again, the Giants refuse to back down. Giants prospect of the future Jonathan Sanchez pitched 5 2/3 strong innings, striking out 7 and allowing one run as they routed Cincinatti 3-2.

After taking two of three from the Reds, the Giants now head home for a pivotal series against the San Diego Padres. Trailing by two games in the wild card, this seems to be do or die for a club well past due for a long winning streak.

This win has to feel good for the Giants. Coming off a tough loss where they were shut out, they came back and showed some offensive presence. With a strong start by Jonathan Sanchez, this does nothing but bring positives to the Giants near and long term future. Sending him down in late July to have him regain arm strength as a starter, this certainly makes Sabean's move look even smarter.

Durham continues to finally live up to expectations (ahem, in his contract year). While he seems to be as injury prone as he was in earlier seasons, he manages to muster more contributions this year than of years past. At this point however, there is no point in complaining.

On another note, I find it interesting how Benitez continually gets "conveniently injured" whenever he has struggled and been outplayed by another reliever. I tip my cap to Mike Stanton for what he has done this past week. One has to wonder however why it seems that Felipe Alou is intent on defending his fallen closer.

A question that still remains is whether Mike Stanton will remain the closer once Benitez "regains his health" and more importantly, whether he will be able to remain as consistent as he has this past week. Either way, it is a position that is anything but stable and will have major consequences on the Giants playoff hopes this season.

Lets hope that Randy Winn can find the magic that once was last season. I don't know how much longer fans will ignore a leadoff hitter batting .258 and an onbase percentage of .706. Pretty soon, he will be cast off in the cell of underachievers.

He shouldn't worry however. Armando Benitez will be waiting, mumbling as always, "I did my job".

September 5th, 2006: Shut Out

Arroyo Shuts Down Giants Offense

Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo brought a shot of reality last night, pitching nine innings of 3 hit baseball and exposing once again the lack of Giants run production. With an offense largely carried by Hillenbrand and Bonds, San Francisco fans were once again reminded that while they have great starting pitching, run support will never be consistent.

"He was throwing under the hitting speed," Ray Durham said. "He was throwing sliders and getting slow curveballs over. He'd only show you the fastball to get you off the curveball. He was really pitching backward."

After allowing 3 runs in the first on 4 walks, Morris settled down, pitching through 6 more innings yielding five hits. Cincinatti would only need one run however, a consistent theme this season.

In the bottom five in both average and on base percentage, the team has managed to stay in the hunt with top notch starting pitching. The team ERA (4.30) is among the league's best, allowing only 1209 hits for fourth best in baseball.

As we move deeper into September, it becomes more evident however that the season relies on whether the team can muster together some run support. Will Bonds continue to stay hot? Will Pedro Feliz find some patience at the plate?

The other question mark is Noah Lowry's health citing elbow irritation. Tonight Jonathan Sanchez takes the mound in his stead. Certainly this kid opened some eyes earlier this season, but whether he is ready as a starter still remains. I along with Giants nation will be holding my breath tonight--the Giants playoff hopes could be at stake.

State of the Union

Every year, the players change, but the story remains the same. From one deflating series loss, to winning 7 of 10, they do nothing but tease us well into late September. That's why I almost didn't believe what happenned in 2002. For once, it seemed the streak was finally due to end. Then game six came...

October 26th, 2006. Our old friend Dusty Baker took Russ Ortiz out of the game after surrendering 2 of the 4 hits he allowed that game to bring in Felix Rodriguez. Had Rodriguez been pitching well to the point? Absolutely. Did it make sense for Baker to pull Ortiz however? Absolutely not. We all know what happenned next...

With the tease of an even better team the following season, the Giants had the misfortune of playing one of the most streaky teams in baseball history, losing to underdog Florida in the Division playoffs. This series would also provide a flurry of questionable calls, this time by Felipe Alou. While most ask why he did not replace J.T. Snow in the 9th in Game 4, others seem to forget that he never even asked Jason Schmidt, his ace pitcher, whether he could pitch on short rest to keep their playoff hopes alive. Dumbfounded, Schmidt was very vocal about his confusion when pitching coach Dave Righetti served as messenger in communications between the two. Who would have thought the price of being "old school" would be a playoff series loss.


So now we sit once again at the end of another losing season with a situation we have not had in years. A chance to completely revamp the clubhouse. Starting with Bonds' ridiculous 20 million, we can add Schmidt's 10.5 mil, Alou's 7.4 mil, Finley's 7 mil (which might as well be Edgardo Alfonzo's), and Durham's 7 mil (which was finally worth it--during a contract year which is also not surprising) leaving almost 52 million dollars of open salary. Granted we will still be paying Bonds 5 million per season until 2008, there is still plenty of salary that Sabean can now play with. With almost no players signed beyond the next two seasons, this makes a situation we have never seen before...

Brian Sabean, welcome to your hot seat.

We saw what Riccardi did, we saw what Minaya did, now it is time to see if our now longtime GM has the forsight and the talent to pull together a team that can rival that of Billy Beane's team accross the Bay. With one of the top ten highest salaries in major league baseball, this is his moment to see if he can put together not just a team that can win now, but in the future. Isn't that a though--a dynasty. It is safe to say we haven't had anything close to it since the Clark-Williams era.

Mr. Soriano, Mr. Lee, please expect us shortly.

I can't remember the last time the offseason has been this anticipated and if you're a die hard Giants fan, I have one message for you; be excited.

Here's hoping for a new story, now and in the future.