San Francisco Giants 2008 Season Thread

[Bear]

This is where we will talk about each game and series on a day to day basis. This is only for games. Please feel free to start other threads about anything Giants in the McCovey Cove thread. Enjoy, this is your new Giants home.:)

[SF Kid]

Lincecum is really starting to look dominate. After today his ERA is 1.57. :eek:

With Lincecum and Cain we have a nice 1/2 punch. Who else is going to step up in this rotation? Sanchez? I still like this guy some.

[Bear]

Lincecum is really starting to look dominate. After today his ERA is 1.57. :eek:

With Lincecum and Cain we have a nice 1/2 punch. Who else is going to step up in this rotation? Sanchez? I still like this guy some.


Well I sure don't think it will be Zito. Maybe Sanchez & Lowry.:confused:

[Bear]

Giants beat the Cards behind great starting pitching and solid hitting. Among the hits the Giants got today was John Bowker's third HR. I hope this kid stays hot. Final score 8-2 giants and the Cards might not have had 2 if it was not for Vinnie Choke. This guy must go.

[McCovey]

Man, Sanchez was dealing today. This kid could be something special. We just need to get Cain going again.

[Bear]

Man, Sanchez was dealing today. This kid could be something special. We just need to get Cain going again.
I agree. Now the big question. If you could have only one Cain or Tim who would you take,and why?:confused:

[SF Kid]

Man, Sanchez was dealing today. This kid could be something special. We just need to get Cain going again.Yep...the Bear is on and off the Sanchez band wagon like a jumping jack. I have not given up on the kid at all. He needs to build a little confidence and he might just be fine.

As for Cain/Lincicum...I like Cain's who look on the mound better if that makes any sense. Doesn't Cain throws harder too? If yo remember back to the beginning of last season Matt Cain was almost un-hittable. What happened I have no idea but things went to hell in a hand basket quickly. He just has to rebound and I think he will. Whether the club cna score runs for him is another question. A big question.

[McCovey]

Choosing between Cain and Lincecum is tough. Both bring nasty stuf to the mound. Obviously, Lincecum is hot right now and Cain is not but both are about eqaully talented. I really can't choose between the two.

[Bear]

Choosing between Cain and Lincecum is tough. Both bring nasty stuf to the mound. Obviously, Lincecum is hot right now and Cain is not but both are about eqaully talented. I really can't choose between the two.
Chicken!!!:p

[McCovey]

Chicken!!!:p

:ban_bear:

[Bear]

:ban_bear:
Some things never change!:rolleyes:

[Bear]

Here is something that will make all Giant fans happy. They are no longer in last place and the Dodgers are. I love it and with all the money the Dodgers spent in the offseason.:beerbang:

[SF Kid]

Oh that is sweet music to my ears.

F%&^ the Dodgers. :bananadance:

[Bear]

Monday, April 21 Chase Field | 6:40 PM PT

Kevin Correia, RHP (1-2, 4.12) Giants (8-11) @Micah Owings, RHP (3-0, 2.29) Diamondbacks (13-5)

Scouting Report:

Giants: Correia has worked at least six innings in each of his three starts and has allowed opponents to hit only .225 against him. After allowing Arizona five runs in six innings last Tuesday in an 8-2 Giants loss, Correia insisted that he felt better than he did in the start before that, when he blanked St. Louis for 7 2/3 innings. Correia will definitely pitch carefully to Arizona's Chris Young, who has three hits off him -- all home runs -- in eight career at-bats. Correia is 0-1 with a 3.29 ERA lifetime at Chase Field.

D-backs: Owings is proof that Spring Training doesn't mean much. After scuffling for much of the spring, Owings has been outstanding in his first three regular season starts. In his first outing of the year against the Rockies, he allowed just one run on two hits in 6 2/3 innings. Owings had good command of his fastball -- something he lacked during the spring -- and was able to hit both sides of the plate with it as well as elevate it when he needed to. Then against the Dodgers, Owings helped the D-backs complete a sweep with a 4-3 win. In that game, he allowed three runs on seven hits in seven innings. Finally against the Giants last Saturday, he allowed just one run over six innings.


Tuesday, April 22 Chase Field | 6:40 PM PT

Barry Zito, LHP (0-4, 4.50)Giants (8-11) @ Brandon Webb, RHP (4-0, 1.86)
Diamondbacks (13-5)


Scouting Report:

Giants: The last time Zito started 0-4 was 2005. He still finished that year with a winning record (14-13) for Oakland while posting the American League's second-lowest opponents' batting average (.221), ranking third in innings (228 1/3) and fifth in strikeouts (171). Zito had the misfortune of bumping heads with Arizona ace Brandon Webb last Wednesday in a 4-1 loss at AT&T Park.

D-backs: Webb has put the issue of whether he can beat the Rockies to rest. Two of the right-hander's three wins this year have come against Colorado. In his most recent start last Friday at Chase Field, Webb held the Rockies to two runs over eight innings of work. It was his second straight start against the team that he had a 5.77 ERA against last year.



The Bear prays for a split! :o

[juan27]

Giants have already exceeded my expectations so here's hoping for some positive news from Arizona this week!

Play Bowker no matter what. Same for Velez.

[SF Kid]

Giants have already exceeded my expectations so here's hoping for some positive news from Arizona this week!

Play Bowker no matter what. Same for Velez.Yo Juan...glad you found the joint. Spread the word to all your Giants fan buddies! Happy to have you around! :toast:

[Bear]

Giants have already exceeded my expectations so here's hoping for some positive news from Arizona this week!

Play Bowker no matter what. Same for Velez.

Juan, happy to have you on the board. I totally agree on Bowker and Velez. They look like they have a little game.;)

[SF Kid]

Correia pitching a gem through 4.

2-1 Giants. :eek:

[McCovey]

Giants couldn't hold the lead. D-Backs win 4-2. :(

[Bear]

Giants couldn't hold the lead. D-Backs win 4-2. :(


Yes but we have are ace Barry Zito going tonight.:pound:

[SF Kid]

Yes but we have are ace Barry Zito going tonight.:pound:Yup. Zito doing his thing... :rolleyes:

[Bear]

Giants lose to the Diamondbacks 5-4. Zito is now 0-5 for the first month of the season. He needs a change of teams as much as the Giants need to get rid of him.:eek:

[Bear]

Wednesday, April 23 PETCO Park | 7:05 PM PT

Matt Cain, RHP (0-2, 6.64) Giants (8-13) @ Greg Maddux, RHP (2-1, 4.68)
Padres (9-12)

Scouting Report:

Giants: Cain struggled in his last start, Friday at St. Louis. He threw 3 2/3 innings and allowed nine runs on eight hits while walking three and striking out four. Cain's ERA jumped from 3.24 to 6.64 with the outing. It was the second start this season in which Cain didn't get through four innings. In 20 1/3 innings this year, Cain has allowed 15 earned runs, struck out 19 and walked 15.

Padres: Maddux was tagged for nine runs for the first time since 2004, six in the first inning alone, as the D-backs defeated the Padres, 9-0, on Friday at Chase Field. Maddux threw 113 pitches, the most pitches he had tossed during a single start in 2 1/2 seasons. But Maddux essentially rescued the Padres by pitching seven innings against the red-hot D-backs as the Padres? bullpen was taxed from throwing 14 innings the night before in a 22-inning loss to the Rockies. Maddux couldn?t get his fastball down in the first inning, and Arizona made him pay. This start was coming on the heels of a five-inning shutout against the Dodgers.

Thursday, April 24 PETCO Park | 7:05 PM PT

Tim Lincecum, RHP (3-0, 1.57) Giants (8-13) @ Chris Young, RHP (1-1, 4.57)
Padres (9-12)

Scouting Report:

Giants: The Giants have won all four of Lincecum's outings -- three starts and one four-inning relief appearance on April 2 at Los Angeles when rain forced manager Bruce Bochy to scratch him from his scheduled start. Lincecum's only no-decision came against San Diego on April 8, when he worked six innings and bequeathed the bullpen a 2-1 lead before the Giants prevailed, 3-2, in 11 innings. Lincecum's only PETCO Park appearance happened to be his final outing of his 2007 rookie season, when he allowed three earned runs in 6 1/3 innings and lost to Jake Peavy, 5-1, on Sept. 16. Shortly after that, the Giants announced that Lincecum would take the rest of the season off to preserve his valuable arm.

Padres: Young, who was coming off a start in Los Angeles where he allowed six runs in three innings, was considerably sharper on April 19 against Arizona, as he allowed two runs in six innings with three walks. Young walked the first two batters he faced in that game but settled down and looked a lot more like the pitcher who had the best ERA in the Major Leagues in the first half of 2007. Young conquered his early control problems and walked just one more batter over six innings. He left with a lead built on two home runs and not too much else, as San Diego's offense vanished over the final four innings with just one hit.

I have Big hopes for the Giants in this series. I will not say the "S" word but I am thinking it.:D

[McCovey]

I think Cain will bounce back form his last start. Oh and another reason I like Greg Maddux. In his last start he took a pounding because he wouldn't come out of the game. He knew the bullpen was tired from the previous night when the Padres played a 22 inning game. That's what I call a "team guy". :beerbang:

[SF Kid]

I'm really starting to dislike the modern game that is being played today. I guess it's what it is but hell how rare is it to see a pitcher go nine innings these days. Rare. It's all about monitoring pitch count and when that magic number arrives out the pitcher goes whether he's pitching well or not. I hate that. You?

[McCovey]

I'm really starting to dislike the modern game that is being played today. I guess it's what it is but hell how rare is it to see a pitcher go nine innings these days. Rare. It's all about monitoring pitch count and when that magic number arrives out the pitcher goes whether he's pitching well or not. I hate that. You?
That's what happens when you build tiny bandboxes, use baseballs as hard as marbles, have players on PEDs, and everyone take like 10 pitches in every AB. I do grow tired of four hour games with five relievers coming into the game, and some relievers face only one hitter! Managers overmanage a lot it seems. But that's what the owners have created. Pitchers today simply have to throw far more pitches than pitchers of the past to get through a game which is why complete games are so rare these days.

[SF Kid]

:thumbdown: Bob Gibson and Warren Spahn don't understand.

They're playing a game those two are not familiar with!

[McCovey]

:thumbdown: Bob Gibson and Warren Spahn don't understand.

They're playing a game those two are not familiar with!
We do have a modern day Warren Spahn. His name is Greg Maddux. I will miss Mad Dog after he is gone. :(

[McCovey]

I wish they'd tweak the game a bit to bring more balance between pitching and hitting. But that is difficult to do. Some have suggested raising the mound. But all that will do is lead to MORE strikeouts. And baseball doesn't need more strikeouts. :nono: No one chokes up on two strike counts anymore. They swing on two strike counts like it's a 2-0 or 2-1 count. :thumbdown:

[McCovey]

Giants win 3-2 over the Padres in 13 innings. Molina hit a game tying HR in the 9th that sent the game into extra innings! :yes:

[SF Kid]

Quite a game. Cain brought it hard last night. Molina comes up big in the ninth. Hmmmm. Good win.

Timmy tonight. I'm feeling something good here! :cool:

[Bear]

Giants win 3-2 over the Padres in 13 innings. Molina hit a game tying HR in the 9th that sent the game into extra innings! :yes:

The Giants did win, and Cain pitched well but the real star last night was Maddux. Man did he pitch well last night for seven innings.
:beerbang:

[McCovey]

Wow Tim Lincecum and Chris Young are both dealing! They have 17 Ks through five innings! :woot:

[Bear]

Wow Tim Lincecum and Chris Young are both dealing! They have 17 Ks through five innings! :woot:
This is another great game!:beerbang:

[McCovey]

Richie goes deep! Adios pelota! Giants up 1-0!

[McCovey]

Timmy pitched a pretty good game. But he has to work on his control, though. Five walks is too many.

[Bear]

Giants win 1-0 over the Padres. Tim Lincecum is now 4-0 in the first month. Way to go Giants.:beerbang:

[McCovey]

Giants win 1-0 over the Padres. Tim Lincecum is now 4-0 in the first month. Way to go Giants.:beerbang:
:awesomework.gif

[Bear]

The Giants are now in third place in the West ahead of the Padres and the Dodgers. How many of you thought that would be the case at the end of April after ST? I did not.


GO GIANTS!!!

[McCovey]

:righton: Go Giants! :righton:

[SF Kid]

Better use this little guy beforfe it's too late.

I don't see a lot of opportunities to use it coming along any time soon...

:sweep:

[Bear]

Better use this little guy beforfe it's too late.

I don't see a lot of opportunities to use it coming along any time soon...

:sweep:

Funny, very funny!:pound::rotf::pound:

[Bear]

Friday, April 25 AT&T Park | 7:15 PM PT

Aaron Harang, RHP (1-2, 2.83) Reds (9-14) @ Jonathan Sanchez, LHP (1-1, 4.50)
Giants (10-13)

Scouting Report:

Reds: Harang threw eight innings of one-run ball against the Brewers on Sunday, but because the score was knotted when he checked out, he didn't factor into the decision. Harang, 1-1 against the Giants last season, takes the ball to kick off the Reds' nine-game road trip. In his most recent outing against San Francisco, in late September, he was touched up for five runs on 10 hits.

Giants: The southpaw continued his trend of up-and-down outings with his fourth start of the season on Sunday at St. Louis. Sanchez picked up his first victory, matching last year's win total, after he tossed five scoreless innings while allowing just two hits, striking out five and walking four. He threw 101 pitches, with 59 for strikes. For the season, he has 26 strikeouts and 10 walks in 20 innings.

Saturday, April 26 AT&T Park | 6:05 PM PT

Matt Belisle, RHP (0-1, 11.25) Reds (9-14) @ Kevin Correia, RHP (1-3, 4.21)
Giants (10-13)

Scouting Report:

Reds: Stepping into deposed starter Josh Fogg's rotation spot, Belisle did not have a good 2008 debut during a 9-3 loss to the Dodgers. Belisle lasted just four-plus innings and allowed seven runs (five earned) and 12 hits with one walk and three strikeouts. The right-hander's pitches were over the middle of the plate. Rafael Furcal led off the game by tattooing one of those pitches for a home run.

Giants: Correia posted his second quality start in four tries last Monday at Arizona, allowing three runs in six innings, but absorbed the decision as the Giants lost, 4-2. Correia has run afoul of the long ball, yielding a team-high five homers that have accounted for seven of the 12 runs he has surrendered. Correia's no soft-tosser, but he can't overpower opponents as teammates Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain can do, so he especially relies on location to be effective.


Sunday, April 27 AT&T Park | 1:05 PM PT

Edinson Volquez, RHP (3-0, 1.21) Reds (9-14) @ Barry Zito, LHP (0-5, 5.61)
Giants (10-13)

Scouting Report:

Reds: Doing a better job at limiting his pitches and escaping jams, Volquez had a season-high (and career-high tying) seven-inning start in the Reds' 8-1 win over the Dodgers Tuesday. The 24-year-old right-hander gave up only one earned run and three hits with four walks and seven strikeouts while using 105 pitches. In the starts before that, he threw 112 pitches over five innings.

Giants: Zito's worst start of his career isn't entirely unusual. He's 13-23 in March and April and owns a winning record in every other month. Zito has been beaten -- in more ways than one -- by Arizona's Brandon Webb in each of his last two starts. Webb not only outpitched Zito, but he also drove in two runs in each game. Zito's early-season admissions about his lack of velocity have given way to his concern about his location and approach. He insists that he still has his good stuff, but sometimes lacks aggressiveness in going after hitters.





The Bear is thinking 2 out of 3 would be nice!

[SF Kid]

The Kid is thinking :sweep:

[Bear]

The Kid is thinking :sweep:


With Zito pitching Sunday?

[Bear]

Giants lead 1-0 going into the top of the 5th against the Reds. Sanchez is pitching great and Molina has the 1st RBI of the game.

[Bear]

Sanchez has 53 pitches through 5 innings with 4 K's and no runs.:clap:

[McCovey]

Wow, the Giants starting pitching is really on a role right now. I've starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel for the future. Of course we still need some quaility hitters.

[Bear]

Sanchez, 6inn, 7K's, 0 Runs, 65 pitches 0 BB. He is really on tonight.

[McCovey]

Sanchez, 6inn, 7K's, 0 Runs, 65 pitches 0 BB. He is really on tonight.
Sanchez is DEALING tonight! :woot:

[SF Kid]

I told you Sanchez was gonna come on. Hope he can keep it up tonight. Sweet.

The Bear already threw Sanchez under the bus but I see Mr. Bear is getting back on the wagon!

[Bear]

Sanchez is DEALING tonight! :woot:

Still 1-0 through 6 inn. And yes Sanchez is dealing.:clap:

[SF Kid]

Still 1-0 through 6 inn. And yes Sanchez is dealing.:clap:Homer. :excuseme:

[Bear]

Homer. :excuseme:

You bet. Sanchez just got through his toughest inning. He gave up his first BB who died at 3B. Still 1-0 Giants.:beerbang:

[Bear]

Sanchez has thrown 8 shutout innings with 10 K's and 1 BB. Go Giants.

[Bear]

Top of the 9th, 3-0 Giants. Sanchez is trying to finish the game. Go Giants.

[Bear]

Sanchez gives up a HR and the score now is 3-1 Giants. No outs.

[Bear]

Sanchez is out of the game, and Wilson is in. Runner on 1b and no outs.

[Bear]

Sanchez goes 8 inn, 4H, 1R, 1ER, 1BB 10K's 1HR.

[Bear]

First batter Hairston, Wilson gets a K! One out!

[Bear]

Griffey grounds out 4-3. Two outs, runner on 3B. Encarnacion pops up to First Base. Game over. Giants win 3-1.

[Bear]

This was a great game for the Giants and J. Sanchez. B Molina was the Hitting star driving in 2 runs out of the three. Go Giants.

[McCovey]

Suddenly, the Giants are 11-13 which is far better than I could have imagined where they would be at this point in the season. :)

[Bear]

Suddenly, the Giants are 11-13 which is far better than I could have imagined where they would be at this point in the season. :)

Who knows they may play .500 ball this year!:beerbang:

[McCovey]

Who knows they may play .500 ball this year!:beerbang:
I'll take a .500 record for '08.

[SF Kid]

Well now I know I can throw out my radio and just come here for the Bear's play-by-play.

Who knows they may play .500 ball this year!:beerbang::chuckle:

[SF Kid]

I'll take a .500 record for '08.I bet you would. :ban_bear:

[Bear]

Yes I am sure I have a future in Radio!:pound:

[SF Kid]

:mouse: You have no future in radio. Trust me.

[Bear]

:mouse: You have no future in radio. Trust me.
But, but you said I did. Now the Bear is feeling blue.:cry::cry:

[Bear]

In case you did not see it in the morning paper:

The Giants are in Second Place!!:beerbang:

[SF Kid]

That is :cool:

Maybe the Giants will prove us all wrong about them. The pitching is steeping up huge. Gotta love it.

[Bear]

A sloppy game tonight as the Giants trail the Reds 7-5 going into the top of 7.
Kevin Correia was injured in the first inning and then the Giants brought in "Mr. Deer in the Headlights" Brad Hennessey who gave up 3 runs in 3 inn. The Giants have some great and then there is the rest of the staff. Its now 8-5 Reds. :(

[Bear]

It's now getting ugly. 9-5 in the top of 7.

[Bear]

10-5 Reds in the 7th.:tantrum::thumbdown:

[McCovey]

I head on KNBR that Correia had an oblique muscle strain.

[McCovey]

I'm starting to like Ferd Lewis more and more. He has a triple and HR tonight.

[SF Kid]

Christ. The fucking Giants are crap. :rotf:

Ah the psyche of the fan!

[Bear]

Has any former CY award winner gone 0-6 to start any season after he won the award? Zito is going for his 6th loss in a row.:eek:

[SF Kid]

Zito absolutely hammered again today. Holy shit.

Six ER given up in the first inning. 6-0 Reds.

Time to sit this guy down. Embarrassing.

[SF Kid]

OK 9-1 Reds...

So we're not gonna play .500 ball after all... what a surprise.

Zito http://planetsmilies.net/violent-smiley-1362.gif

[Bear]

Zito's Line: 3 Inn., 7 Hits, 8 Runs, 8 ER, 3BB, 1 SO and he now has an ERA of 7.53. Now that's some #1. How long are the Giants going to run this guy out there. If you can't trade him at least take him out of the rotation. http://www.augk18.dsl.pipex.com/Smileys/puke.gif

[SF Kid]

If you can't trade him at least take him out of the rotation. http://www.augk18.dsl.pipex.com/Smileys/puke.gifAgree 100%.

Time to sit this asshole down.

[Sucka Free]

It's not his fault, it's the freakin managements fault for ever signing him. They outbid the second place team (Mariners) by about 30-40 million. It's ridiculous.

[Bear]

It's not his fault, it's the freakin managements fault for ever signing him. They outbid the second place team (Mariners) by about 30-40 million. It's ridiculous.

No its not his fault its ownership who forced Sebean to sign him at all cost so that we would have a face for the team to replace Bonds. That being said I would have taken the money to if I were in Zito's shoes. But now there is a real problem that need fixing and that is Zito is not a very good pitcher and needs to be removed from the rotation. One way or the other this must be done and done soon.:eek:

[McCovey]

Gawd, Zito was awful today! :( I know we Giants fans are really frustrated. But is there really a solution? Zito's fastball is in the low 80s. A pitcher can't last in the majors for long with an 82 mph fastball unless they are a command artist like Greg Maddux or Jaime Moyer. Unfortunately, Zito has never had that kind of command. It's quite possible tha Zito has lost his fastball permanently. If that is the case then going to the bullpen will probably not help him. It may help the Giants in terms of not having to climb out of 6-0 hole after the first inning. The problem is that the Giants are stuck with Zito for six more seasons and it's unlikely any other team would want to take on such a huge contract for such a medicore pitcher.

[Bear]

This is were we separate the boys from the men. We either release Zito like the Diamondbacks did with Ortiz, and admit we made a huge mistake or we keep him in some long relief role. Baseball teams like any big money Corporation has to pay for its mistakes and Zito is the mother of all mistakes so far. Yes we owe Zito his money, but do we have to accept his losing records season after season. I say no . Cut your loses and move on.:bugeye:

[robbnen]

:eek: That was some major league ugly today and I had very nice seats to witness it, although it was 6-0 before we even took our seats!

In my wisdom, I told my 9 year old "Never boo your own guys." and "Ya win some, ya lose some."

In his wisdom, he thought it was fun when to make sarcastic comments about Zito and he commented "For the Giants, ya win some, ya lose most."

I think he is a true Giants fan! :beerbang:

[SF Kid]

Bear, I don't disagree with you about Zito but recognize the Giants are not going to cut him and he is un-tradable. We're stuck with him for a minimum of 4 years. Putting him in a set up roll and effectively cutting their losses is the best we can hope for. Zito is probably the biggest mistake in recent Giants history. A panic move made with very poor judgement. Mac called it at the time and we thought he was crazy...sadly he nailed the situation.

[McCovey]

:eek: That was some major league ugly today and I had very nice seats to witness it, although it was 6-0 before we even took our seats!

In my wisdom, I told my 9 year old "Never boo your own guys." and "Ya win some, ya lose some."

In his wisdom, he thought it was fun when to make sarcastic comments about Zito and he commented "For the Giants, ya win some, ya lose most."

I think he is a true Giants fan! :beerbang:
Hi robbnen,

In another post you mentioned that Zito's fastball was about 84 mph and up in the strike zone. How was his curve ball? Do you think his fastball will ever come back?

[Bear]

Monday, April 28 AT&T Park | 7:15 PM PT

Franklin Morales, LHP (1-1, 6.00) Rockies (10-15) @ Matt Cain, RHP (0-2, 5.27) Giants (11-15)

Scouting Report:

Rockies: Morales battled through six innings on Wednesday and held the Cubs to three runs on eight hits. The Cubs made him pay when he left the ball up in the zone, but when he kept the ball down, he was successful. Morales did not have his best stuff; however, unlike last year when he would rattle easily, he pitched his way out of jams and avoided big innings.

Giants: Although Cain pitched well enough to win, he received a no-decision in his most recent outing, and that actually represented an improvement in his luck. Cain had perhaps his strongest performance of the season, allowing one run and five hits in seven innings last Wednesday at San Diego. But he left trailing 1-0 because San Diego's Greg Maddux was doing his usual number (zero) on the Giants. Bengie Molina's ninth-inning homer off Trevor Hoffman rescued Cain from another hard-luck loss. Since the beginning of last season, the Giants have scored no more than one run in 17 of Cain's 37 starts.

Tuesday, April 29 AT&T Park | 7:15 PM PT

Aaron Cook, RHP (3-1, 2.91) Rockies (10-15) @ Tim Lincecum, RHP (4-0, 1.23) Giants (11-15)

Scouting Report:

Rockies: Cook has become the most consistent starter and a stopper for the Rockies, ending losing streaks in his last two starts. He had his sinker working on Thursday against the Cubs. He worked eight innings, holding Chicago to two runs on four hits and retiring 16 straight at one point. When Cook is getting groundball outs by using his sinker, he's tough to beat with the reigning best defensive club in the Majors behind him.

Giants: Lincecum worked 6 1/3 shutout innings last Thursday in a 1-0 victory at San Diego to extend his scoreless streak to 16 2/3 innings. The right-hander continued to throw predominantly fastballs while striking out nine, hiking his season total to 36 in 29 1/3 innings. This will be Lincecum's third start of the year at AT&T Park, where he's 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA. Lincecum faced Colorado twice last season, posting a 1-0 record with a 4.50 ERA. He has been particularly tough on National League West foes during his brief career, owning a 4-1 record with a 1.97 ERA in 10 games.

Wednesday, April 30 AT&T Park | 12:45 PM PT

Ubaldo Jimenez, RHP (1-2, 6.46) Rockies (10-15) @ Jonathan Sanchez, LHP (2-1, 3.54) Giants (11-15)

Scouting Report:

Rockies: After lasting 2 1/3 innings in his last start, at Dodger Stadium on Friday night, Jimenez may be on thin ice in the rotation. Right-hander Kip Wells has pitched well in relief and could step in if the Rockies want to make a change. Jimenez's total inability to throw quality strikes, or even strikes at all in some cases, led to his giving up six runs on seven hits, with three walks, a hit batter and three wild pitches while facing just 17 hitters against the Dodgers.

Giants: Last Friday might have been Sanchez's coming-out party. He took a two-hit shutout into the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds and left the game having allowed one run and four hits in a 3-1 victory. A bruised left ring finger left Sanchez unable to throw a changeup, so he stuck with his fastball, sinker and slider -- with impressive results. Sanchez has always struggled to maintain a consistent release point, but his effort against the Reds indicated that he's making progress.

I will be happy with a 2 out of 3 series. How about you?:)

[SF Kid]

I'd be happy if the Giants don't get swept.

[Bear]

I'd be happy if the Giants don't get swept.


Write it down. The Giants will not happen! :nono:

[Sucka Free]

Cain tonight, Lincecum tomorrow, and Sanchez the next day. I'm loving it.

[Bear]

Cain tonight, Lincecum tomorrow, and Sanchez the next day. I'm loving it.

And imagine the SF Kid said he would be happy if they don't get swept. No chance of that.:nono:

[SF Kid]

Yeah I guess you have a point.

I thought Zito would pitch all three games.

[Bear]

Yeah I guess you have a point.

I thought Zito would pitch all three games.

He might now that he is in the pen. :eek:

[McCovey]

Giants are up 4-0 in the 6th. Cain is having a decent game , 0 runs, 3 hits, but 4 walks.

[McCovey]

The Giants beat the Rockies, 4-0. The Giants are now 12-15 on the season. :)

[Bear]

Much better than I thought they would be at this point.

[SF Kid]

Matt Cain. :bowdone:

[Bear]

He has one win! The REAL DEAL goes tonight.

[McCovey]

Cain was wild but effective. His 5 walks are a bit of a concern but at least he got the win.

[SF Kid]

Matt Cain is a god! :D

[Sucka Free]

...when we score runs for him.

[SF Kid]

We'll yeah. Runs are god too.

[SF Kid]

The invincible one Tim Lincecum gave up an earned run. :eek:

1-1 -- early.

[SF Kid]

Iannetta homers off the Franchise. Another earned run. Dumb shit.

2-2. :mad:

[McCovey]

Giants lose 3-2. The Giants got the leadoff hitter on in the 9th inning. Why did Bochy pinch hit for fred Lewis with Dan Ortmeier with two outs in the 9th? :shrug: Lewis was already 2-4 in the game.

[Bear]

Sometimes I think Boch. over thinks, and out manages himself. Lefty vs Righty thing.:nono:

[McCovey]

Sometimes I think Boch. over thinks, and out manages himself. Lefty vs Righty thing.:nono:
So pinch hitting for the .337 hitter with a .250 hitter is the "right" move?! :pound:

[McCovey]

Sometimes I think Boch. over thinks, and out manages himself. Lefty vs Righty thing.:nono:
I was curious so I checked how Lewis and Ortmeier do against lefties in '08. Lewis is hitting .400 vs lefties. Ortmeier is hitting .286. :pound:

[SF Kid]

Based on your research Mac I think you should replace Bochy as manager of the Giants. Would you do it for $500,000/year? I know it'd be taking a pay cut but...hell it'd be breakfast if you get the Kid's drift.

[McCovey]

Based on your research Mac I think you should replace Bochy as manager of the Giants. Would you do it for $500,000/year? I know it'd be taking a pay cut but...hell it'd be breakfast if you get the Kid's drift.
I couldn't be manager because I hate constant traveling. Plus I would hate having to deal with the media. :D

[Rockiesfan4ever]

I can't believe Fred Lewis caught that ball :spank: :shakehead: :tantrum:

[Bear]

I can't believe Fred Lewis caught that ball :spank: :shakehead: :tantrum:

I can. He is one hell of a defensive outfielder. ;)

[Bear]

Great win today with good pitching, and good hitting. The Giants are playing very well at the end of the first month of the season, and doing much better than I thought they would. Is there anyone you thought they would be in better shape then they are?

[Bear]

Last nights balk call. Did any of you see it? It may have been the worse call I have ever seen in a major league game. It was no more a balk and the Kid is a shortstop. I say shortstop because the Kid is left handed. Anyway the umpire who called that balk should lose a months pay for such a call!:mad:

[SF Kid]

Great win today with good pitching, and good hitting. The Giants are playing very well at the end of the first month of the season, and doing much better than I thought they would. Is there anyone you thought they would be in better shape then they are?I thought we'd be the worst team in baseball. Honestly they have surprised me. Still bad but better than expected.

Last nights balk call. Did any of you see it? It may have been the worse call I have ever seen in a major league game. It was no more a balk and the Kid is a shortstop. I say shortstop because the Kid is left handed. Anyway the umpire who called that balk should lose a months pay for such a call!:mad:How the hell am I gonna see it. They're not exactly interested in televising Giants' game out of the local market. :mad:

[Bear]

How the hell am I gonna see it. They're not exactly interested in televising Giants' game out of the local market. :mad:


First of all you are not the only member of this forum. I know this maybe hard for you to believe this.:p

Second their all other ways to view is , say like ESPN, Fox Sports, U Tube, the internet. So welcome to the 21st century, dummy!:rolleyes:

[McCovey]

Giants-Phillies Preview


SF: Misch (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28621) (0-0), PHI: Kendrick (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28804) (2-2)

Ryan Howard’s slow start doesn't have the Philadelphia Phillies too concerned. After all, this isn't the first time.

But that doesn't mean they aren't anxious to see him break out of his early season slump -- and he may have taken the first step.

Howard, coming off his first multihit effort in his last nine games, will look to lead the surging Phillies to their sixth win in eight games on Friday when they open a three-game set with the visiting San Francisco Giants.

Philadelphia (16-13) has received outstanding production from second baseman Chase Utley, who has a major league-best 11 homers, and right fielder Pat Burrell, one of the NL's leaders with 26 RBIs.

But 2007 NL MVP Jimmy Rollins has been sidelined since April 8 with an ankle injury, and of greater concern to the Phillies has been the slump of 2006 MVP Ryan Howard.

Howard began Thursday hitting just .172, but he had two extra-base hits -- including a tiebreaking eighth-inning homer -- to lead Philadelphia to a 3-2 win over San Diego.

"When you're not seeing it, everything is tough," Howard told the Phillies' official Web site. "You don't feel good at all. Now, I'm starting to see it and I've been able to put some pretty good at-bats together. I want to keep putting them together."

Howard's difficult starts have been well-documented, but he typically gets better as the year progresses. A .230 career hitter before May, Howard's average gets higher each month -- save for a small dip from .307 to .302 from August to September -- before topping out with .462 in October.

Aside from the Phillies' powerful offense, which leads the majors with 42 home runs, the team's bullpen has been particularly impressive. Philadelphia relievers have a 2.56 ERA, best in the NL, and closer Brad Lidge picked up his seventh save without yielding an earned run on Thursday.

"The bullpen has been outstanding," said starter Adam Eaton, who pitched six innings. "They're definitely holding their own and need to be recognized as one of the better bullpens in the majors."

The Phillies will hand the ball to 23-year-old Kyle Kendrick (2-2, 5.13 ERA) on Friday. Kendrick went seven innings on Saturday, allowing four runs in picking up an 8-4 win over the Pirates.

San Francisco (13-16) is heading east to begin a six-game trip in Pennsylvania before returning home for a 10-game set that starts with a visit from the Phillies.

For a team that expected to finish in last place in the NL West -- and one that started 1-6 -- the Giants appear pleased with their 12-10 finish to April, capped with a 3-2 win over Colorado on Wednesday.

"Everybody in this clubhouse expects us to make the playoffs. That's what we come in here every day to do," said outfielder Aaron Rowand, who is second on the team with 14 RBIs. "Being as young as we are, I think this month was a good month in the fact that the guys are finding themselves, finding their strides, coming together as a team."

San Francisco's pitching staff, however, is in some disarray despite only yielding five runs in three games to the Rockies. The ineffective Barry Zito was recently sent to the bullpen, and with Noah Lowry and Kevin Correia injured, Pat Misch (0-0, 3.00) will face the Phillies on Friday.

Misch's lone appearance this season came in relief of Zito last Sunday, when the left-hander allowed eight runs to Cincinnati in three innings. Misch allowed two runs in the final six innings of a 10-1 loss.

[McCovey]

Why do I get the feeling Misch is going to get LIT UP like the Christmas tree in Washington D.C. tonight?! :bugeye: Chase Utley and Pat Burrell are white hot right now.

Utley: .357/.424/.728, 11 HR, 23 RBI, 25 R, 10 doubles
Burrell: .333/.454/.677, 8 HR, 26 RBI, 18 R, 9 doubles

However, Ryan Howard is hitting .184 with 39 Ks and Jimmy Rollins is hurt.

[Bear]

Why do I get the feeling Misch is going to get LIT UP like the Christmas tree in Washington D.C. tonight?! :bugeye: Chase Utley and Pat Burrell are white hot right now.

Utley: .357/.424/.728, 11 HR, 23 RBI, 25 R, 10 doubles
Burrell: .333/.454/.677, 8 HR, 26 RBI, 18 R, 9 doubles

However, Ryan Howard is hitting .184 with 39 Ks and Jimmy Rollins is hurt.

It's no, no, Misch so you have to have faith. The problem is the No, No is why did I throw that pitch? Or is it no, no don't leave the park. I have no faith in Misch. The pitcher tonight should be Valdez.

[McCovey]

Good question. Why isn't Merkin Valdez starting? :shrug:

[McCovey]

Great, Chase Utley hits a HR in the first inning. The Phillies are up 2-0 already. Man, that Utley is on fire. He's got 12 HRs already, lead the majors in HRs, and he's a fricking second baseman! It's been 83 years since a second baseman led the majors in HRs (Rogers Hornsby, 1925). In fact since Hornsby only two other second basemen have even led their respective league in HR. Can you guys these two players? :D

[McCovey]

Great, Pedro Feliz goes deep as well. It's 4-1 Phillies, now. :(

[Bear]

The Giants came up short in a very good game 5-4 in the 10th to the Phillies. The difference was a 10th inning HR by Pat Burrell. Oh how I wish we had been able to get him in the off-season. I for one am very pleased how well the Giants are playing so far this season. Tough loss but they were leading until the Burrell HR.

[McCovey]

Wow, I go out to dinner with my wife and I missed the Giants great comback to take a 5-4 lead in the 10th inning. Even though they lost they showed some grit. I like that! :awesomework.gif Yes, Pat Burrell is having a huge year so far. He's actually a local Bay Area product. He went to high school at Bellermine Prep in San Jose, though he played his college ball at University of Miami. How the Stanford baseball program didn't nab him, I'll never know.

[SF Kid]

Wow the Giants had 16 hits. Not bad.

Giants still in third place. That is actually a surprise. Can the pitching hold up and keep them there. Hell it's only May 3. :o

[Bear]

Wow the Giants had 16 hits. Not bad.

Giants still in third place. That is actually a surprise. Can the pitching hold up and keep them there. Hell it's only May 3. :o


Why not? We now go with are BIG three so we have a chance to winall three. The only trouble is the #1 & #5 spots in the rotation.:D

[McCovey]

I was looking at the league stats and the Giants lead the majors in stolen bases with 34. Wow, when was the last time that happened? :shrug:

[Bear]

I was looking at the league stats and the Giants lead the majors in stolen bases with 34. Wow, when was the last time that happened? :shrug:

My guess would be decades. :beerbang:

[McCovey]

The Giants beat the Phillie 3-2 in 10 innings. :beerbang: Cain was solid, going 7 innings, giving up 2 ER, 3 H, 8 K, 1 BB. He drops his ERA to 4.08.

[Bear]

The Giants beat the Phillie 3-2 in 10 innings. :beerbang: Cain was solid, going 7 innings, giving up 2 ER, 3 H, 8 K, 1 BB. He drops his ERA to 4.08.

Solid game for Cain, Molina and the pen. Now on to the rubber game and a series win. Go Giants!:cool:

[SF Kid]

Piss.

The Giants are never televised around here. :mad:

[Sucka Free]

Move to the bay

[SF Kid]

Wise guy. :)

[Bear]

Move to the bay

Do you ever get to AT&T?:cool:

[Bear]

Giants lose 6-5 in the bottom of the 9th on a Eugenio Velez error. Even when they lose they play hard and are fun to watch.

[SF Kid]

Lincecum gives up 4 runs but none of them earned. Nice defense.

Losing is never fun to watch.

[Bear]

Lincecum gives up 4 runs but none of them earned. Nice defense.

Losing is never fun to watch.

Kid, you must strive get get to a higher plane grasshopper!:pound:

Just like the Bear.:rotf:

[McCovey]

Dang it! The Giants lose another tough one. The Giants have to work on their defense. :rolleyes:

[McCovey]

So the Giants have the day off today. They should go to the nearest park and practice fielding the ball. :o

[Bear]

So the Giants have the day off today. They should go to the nearest park and tractive fielding the ball. :o

Now, now we all have off days at work. But I might keep Velez after school for a little work!
:rolleyes:

[SF Kid]

This thread sucks. It's too long.

Can't we have the old fashion Giants @ xxxx 5/x-5/x threads?

[Bear]

From: USA Today
5/28/08

Team Notes

INSIDE PITCH

Bengie Molina had two hits Tuesday. Ho hum.

He went 2-for-5. Over his last six games, that's actually below par. In that stretch, he hit .640 with two homers and five RBIs.

Three of the games, he had two hits. Two others, three hits. One, four hits.

All he did Tuesday was carry on after learning before the game he had been named NL Player of the Week after going 15-for-23 with six doubles, a home run and nine RBIs.

He hit a three-run homer in the third inning, breaking a scoreless tie, and caught Tim Lincecum's seventh win. The Giants beat the Diamondbacks 6-3, and Molina had his fingerprints all over it.

It was his sixth homer of the year.

The Giants don't have an MVP award, but it's clear Molina would have been the winner last year, his first on the team. This year, to date, he's most deserving again, with Lincecum and Aaron Rowand in the mix, too.

Much has been said about Barry Zito's lousy contract and how the Giants now admit it was an unwise baseball decision to keep Barry Bonds around as long as they did, but no one's arguing about the free agent contract given to Molina, who has been positive for a young pitching staff and the team's biggest threat at the plate.

GIANTS 6, DIAMONDBACKS 3: Bengie Molina opened the scoring with a three-run homer after Fred Lewis singled and Ray Durham walked. Tim Lincecum gave up a run in the fourth and was charged with two in the seventh, after he had departed. Aaron Rowand's RBI single in the top of the seventh gave the Giants a 6-1 lead.

NOTES, QUOTES

—RHP Tim Lincecum is 7-1. The rest of the team is 14-30. He pitched on six days' rest, including two Giants off days, and lasted 7 1/3 innings with seven strikeouts and three walks. He gave up three runs and six hits.

—RHP Brian Wilson, who has made ninth innings far more interesting than his manager or pitching coach would desire, had a rare spotless save Wednesday. He went 1-2-3 in the ninth for his 15th save, tying the Astros' Jose Valverde for tops in the NL.

—RHP Tyler Walker inherited two of RHP Tim Lincecum's runners in the seventh inning, and both scored. Lincecum left after giving up two singles, and Walker gave up an RBI double to Chad Tracy and then wild-pitched home the second run.

—INF Emmanuel Burris is hitting .391 against lefties, which is significant considering the Giants will face a lefty in the second game off the Arizona series, Doug Davis. The Giants are 6-10 vs. lefties, 2-7 on the road.

—RHP Kevin Correia is scheduled for a rehab start with Class A San Jose on Friday. He has been shelved since April 27 with a ribcage injury.

BY THE NUMBERS: 15 — Doubles for Bengie Molina. He had 19 last year. Sunday, he had four in a double-leader in Miami, giving him nine in May. His career high is 24 in 2003.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I try to work in the process. Results just happen as they may," — Barry Zito, after beating the Marlins (one run, 6 1/3 innings) for his first victory of the year. He started 0-8.

ROSTER REPORT

MEDICAL WATCH:

RHP Merkin Valdez (right elbow strain) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 13. An MRI showed inflammation but no structural damage. He may be activated as soon as May 30.

RHP Kevin Correia (left intercostal strain) went on the 15-day disabled list April 27, and he is expected to miss a month. He threw off a mound for the first time May 14. He will make a rehab start for Class A San Jose on May 30.

OF Dave Roberts (torn meniscus in left knee) went on the 15-day disabled list April 8. He had surgery April 12, and he will miss 10 to 12 weeks.

LHP Erick Threets (right abdominal strain) went on the 15-day disabled list April 19.

INF Kevin Frandsen (ruptured left Achilles tendon) suffered the injury March 24, and he had season-ending surgery March 29. He opened the season on the 15-day disabled list, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 15.

LHP Noah Lowry (left arm surgery on March 7) opened the season on the 15-day disabled list. He was told April 30 to stop rehabbing for three to four weeks.


I still say the Giants are playing better than we could have ever hoped for to this point. True they will not win the West, but that was never in the cards.:beerbang:

[McCovey]

Molina went 15 for 23 last week?!!!! That's what I call "seeing the ball really well"! :yourock:

[McCovey]

Wow, the Giants pounded the D-Backs 11-3! Sanchez got the win and Molina continues his hot hitting going 3/4, double, 2 RBI, 2 R. Durham went 2/5, HR, 4 RBI.

[SF Kid]

So Arizona isn't all that unbeatable after all. :cool:

[McCovey]

So Arizona isn't all that unbeatable after all. :cool:
That's baseball for you. :) And the Giants have Zito pitching today. :(

[Bear]

Have faith! God knows I don't.

[SF Kid]

Oh I can't wait. Zito. Zito. Zito.

:lame:

[Bear]

Oh I can't wait. Zito. Zito. Zito.

:lame:

I think you mean "Zero, Zero, Zero"! Or maybe "Zoro, Zoro, Zoro"!

[SF Kid]

:ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear:

[Bear]

:ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear: :ban_bear:

GREAT WALLPAPER!

[SF Kid]

So Little Tim got rocked last night.

I wonder if he's losing it or if the players just don't like him and don't want to play for him. ;)

[Bear]

So Little Tim got rocked last night.

I wonder if he's losing it or if the players just don't like him and don't want to play for him. ;)

All pitchers lose from time to time. But some pitchers lose almost every time. There is a difference and even the Kid can see the difference if he would only look. :rolleyes:

[SF Kid]

On his shitty ball club this run support thing will even out. Linecum is going to have his turn in the barrel. 7-0? Niiiiice.

[Bear]

On this shitty ball club this run support thing will even out. Linecum is going to have his turn in the barrel. 7-0? Niiiiice.


The sad thing is they are still in the division race, and some believe they need to make a trade for the run to the playoffs. I hope no young players are dealt.:nono:

[SF Kid]

God that would be awful.

They need to just take their medicine and gear up for next year. The NL West is an embarrassment.

[SF Kid]

Giants lose third straight.

Sanchez returning to 2007 form and loses again. Four innings allowing 3 ER and the Giants were never in it.

Maybe the team just won't play for Sanchez. :p :p :p

This team is frustrating.

[Bear]

This team is frustrating.


You want frustrating, Zito pitches today!:shakehead:

[SF Kid]

You want frustrating, Zito pitches today!:shakehead:Perfect. Can hardly wait.

[McCovey]

The Giants got swept by the Mets. Hey, at least they scored some runs. :rolleyes:. Now, they are off to Chicago to face the best team in the NL. Oh goodie! :o

[Bowler Bob in Brisbane]

Ok, it's been over a month now since anybody's added anything to this thread so here goes...

"You want frustrating, Zito pitches today!"


Just kidding!


Kinda...


DOH!!


Who knows, maybe Barry will have one of those breakthrough outings where he walks none, strikes out 8, gives up no runs and only 4 hits.

And the Giants hitters score 9 runs for him too!


See that's why I live up to the title under my avatar, LOL!


Cheers!


"...go!,... GIANTS!!"

[McCovey]

Matt Cain beat the Braves tonight, 5-1. Another strong start for Cain, 7 IP, 1 ER, 5 K, 1 BB, 6 H. I love how Cain has been pitching the past six weeks. his record is 8-9 now with a 3.57 ERA. It would be great if he could finish the season with a 3.25 ERA and perhaps 12-13 wins.

Also Cain has been really stingy with the HRs. He hasn't given up a HR since JUNE 4th! He's gone 90 innings without giving up a HR. I wonder if Bear still wants to trade Cain? :D

[Bear]

I wonder if Bear still wants to trade Cain? :D

Only for that very special position player. :eek:

[SF Kid]

Matt Cain beat the Braves tonight, 5-1. Another strong start for Cain, 7 IP, 1 ER, 5 K, 1 BB, 6 H. I love how Cain has been pitching the past six weeks. his record is 8-9 now with a 3.57 ERA. It would be great if he could finish the season with a 3.25 ERA and perhaps 12-13 wins.

Also Cain has been really stingy with the HRs. He hasn't given up a HR since JUNE 4th! He's gone 90 innings without giving up a HR. I wonder if Bear still wants to trade Cain? :DAhem. :D

[SF Kid]

Giants win behind Lincecum.

13-3 2:60 ERA...not bad for skinny white kid.

[Bear]

Giants win behind Lincecum.

13-3 2:60 ERA...not bad for skinny white kid.



You of all people should like skinny white kids!:pound:

[SF Kid]

I'm sure whatever the Bear said was profound but... :shrug:

http://www.augk18.dsl.pipex.com/Smileys/Below.gif

http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/3407/ignorecr4.gif

PS...today is the BIG day -- Happy 40th Anniversary to the Bear and Mrs. Bear.

[SF Kid]

Zito went 7.0 and gave up nothing.

The guy is frustrating.

I'll take the win though.

[McCovey]

Crappy bullpen cost Cain another win when Brian Wilson gave up a game tying three-run HR in the top of the 9th. The Giants did end up winning the game in the bottom of the 9th against the Marlins, 6-5, though.

[Bear]

Crappy bullpen cost Cain another win when Brian Wilson gave up a game tying three-run HR in the top of the 9th. The Giants did end up winning the game in the bottom of the 9th against the Marlins, 6-5, though.

You can't put Wilson in the same class as most of the others in the pen. Everyone has a down day, but as a rule Wilson has had a great season.:beerbang:

[Bear]

The Bear is now leaving to go to the game and watch Big Tim go for #14. This guy is the only thing left to root for in the 2008 season!:beerbang::clap:

[SF Kid]

The Bear is now leaving to go to the game and watch Big Tim go for #14. This guy is the only thing left to root for in the 2008 season!:beerbang::clap:I took the Bear off "ignore"...he still uses the fu%^&ng colored type. Jesus f$%^ing Christ. WTF?
(AT LEAST IT'S NOT LARGE COLORED TYPE) :mad:

:pound:

[SF Kid]

Just for that Bear I hope Lincecum gets drilled tonight.

[SF Kid]

Hey I like it. I'll be posting this way from now on.

[SF Kid]

Please put me or ignore or ban me. :woot:

[Bear]

The Bear was in the presents of greatness tonight. Big Tim pitched a shutout tonight, and lead the Giants to a 5-0 victory over the Padres. Tim got his 200 K of the season, and was in charge the entire way. This guy maybe the best Giant starter since Juan. :clap:

[McCovey]

Wow, Lincecum continues to dominate. He pitched eight innings of shutout ball to beat the Padres 5-0. He's now 14-3 with a 2.48 ERA. He also notched his 200th strikeout making him just the 9th Giants' pitcher in franchise history to do. so. He has a shot at the San Francisco record of 251 Ks held by Jason Schmidt. The franchise record is 267 Ks held by Christy Mathewson. Actually Mickey Welch had 345 Ks in 1884 but that was under significantly different rules.

[SF Kid]

The Bear was in the presents of greatness tonight. Big Tim pitched a shutout tonight, and lead the Giants to a 5-0 victory over the Padres. Tim got his 200 K of the season, and was in charge the entire way. This guy maybe the best Giant starter since Juan. :clap:I don't know about being in the "presence of greatness" --- he has a long way to go before calling it a career --- but that was impressive. Four hitter dropping his ERA to 2.48.

His numbers are clearly Cy Young worthy. Now will the fact he may not lead the NL in wins screw him out of what may be rightly his? I hope not.

[Bear]

I don't know about being in the "presence of greatness" --- he has a long way to go before calling it a career --- but that was impressive. Four hitter dropping his ERA to 2.48.

His numbers are clearly Cy Young worthy. Now will the fact he may not lead the NL in wins screw him out of what may be rightly his? I hope not.

No Kid this kid is truly great. I know its early, but its like Juan, the two Willies and Barry, you just know they are special.:bugeye:

[McCovey]

I don't know about being in the "presence of greatness" --- he has a long way to go before calling it a career --- but that was impressive. Four hitter dropping his ERA to 2.48.

His numbers are clearly Cy Young worthy. Now will the fact he may not lead the NL in wins screw him out of what may be rightly his? I hope not.
Brandon Webb has the NL Cy Young locked up pretty much. He's got 19 wins already and will probably end up with about 24-25 wins.

[McCovey]

I was looking at the break down of the Giants record in '08. I found some really odd stats. Here are the Giants' records against the three divisions

NL West: 22-22
NL East: 19-13
NL Central: 9-25


What's up with that? The Giants have held their own againt the NL West, have a good edge on the East but have been crushed by the Central? :shrug:

[Swede]

Timmy has the ERA and strikeouts. The three or four blown wins by the pen gives him Webb numbers. Anyone should see he is worthy, but wins will get the votes. What about Brewers new pitcher. Does he get it with what he did in the AL and now the NL?

[McCovey]

Timmy has the ERA and strikeouts. The three or four blown wins by the pen gives him Webb numbers. Anyone should see he is worthy, but wins will get the votes. What about Brewers new pitcher. Does he get it with what he did in the AL and now the NL?
No, you can't count C.C. Sabathia's AL numbers because that's a different league. Besides, Sabathia's AL numbers were just ok. His combined stats are:

14-8 W-L, 2.99 ERA, 146 ERA+, 192 Ks.

[SF Kid]

Zito wins again! :eek:

8-15, baby.

[McCovey]

What?! The Giants have now won five in a row?! Who is in charge here? :D

[SF Kid]

What?! The Giants have now won five in a row?! Who is in charge here? :DPlayoffs, baby! :bananadance:

[SF Kid]

We're only two games back fo the useless Rockies.

How the hell did they back into the WS? Whatever.

I hate 'em. :woot:

[Bear]

Playoffs, baby! :bananadance:

Please, we do not need that rumor!:nono:

[SF Kid]

Wonder Boy goes tonight. He better win. The friggin' Rockies are kicking our ass and I hate them. Right after the Dodgers I hate them.

[SF Kid]

Wait, Bear is going to the game. We're f&^*ed.

[McCovey]

Wait, Bear is going to the game. We're f&^*ed.
:pound:

[SF Kid]

Lincecum with 7 k's through 4 innings and the Giants can
t score a run for him yet. :mad:

1-0 Rockheads.

[SF Kid]

^^^ :ban_bear:

[McCovey]

Lincecum with 7 k's through 4 innings and the Giants can
t score a run for him yet. :mad:

1-0 Rockheads.
Hey, Lincecum is in the 7th inning and has already has over 108 pitcher. Take him out now, Boche, or his arm will fall off! :D

[McCovey]

^^^ :ban_bear:
I haven't seen you use that avatar in quite some time, Kid.

[McCovey]

What? Boche showing he has a pair?! Lincecum is still in there in the eighth inning with over 130 pitches. Right on Boche. Timmy is a beast.

[McCovey]

So Lincecum is pulled with two outs in the 8th inning with 132 pitches thrown. I have no doubt that a career high for Timmy. That's how young pitchers build arm strength! :D

[McCovey]

Lincecum gets the win and is now 15-3 record with a 2.43 ERA and 210 Ks. :awesomework.gif

[SF Kid]

Well I have no problem pulling him after 132 pitches in the eighth. At least he gave the kid his head.

Nice win. Nice outing for Wonder Boy (again).

15-3 baby!

[SF Kid]

Wonder what we'll get from Zito tonight in Cincinnati? Hard telling. He may throw a 4 hitter or give up 7 ER's in the first inning. Ugh.

[McCovey]

Wonder what we'll get from Zito tonight in Cincinnati? Hard telling. He may throw a 4 hitter or give up 7 ER's in the first inning. Ugh.
You've never played craps in Vegas, Kid? :beerbang:

[McCovey]

Wonder what we'll get from Zito tonight in Cincinnati? Hard telling. He may throw a 4 hitter or give up 7 ER's in the first inning. Ugh.

We got the "garbage" Zito tonight! :mad:

3.1 IP, 7 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 2 K, 2 BB, 1 HR, 80 pitches :thumbdown:

[Bear]

We got the "garbage" Zito tonight! :mad:

3.1 IP, 7 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 2 K, 2 BB, 1 HR, 80 pitches :thumbdown:


You are too kind! This guy is never going to be a winner for the Giants, and the Giants need to cut, and run. You can't tell young players you want a winner, and keep a pitcher like this. He needs to go, and the sooner the better.:mad:

[SF Kid]

Now Cain lays an egg today. Giants lose again. We suck.

This is one of the most frustrating teams I have ever followed. If it isn't the team not hitting and supporting the pitchers it's the starter getting drilled in the first 4 innings or the relievers giving up a lead. Jesus H. Christ. Just can't doing anything right for very long.

That is all. :cry:

[robbnen]

I definitely take the Freak.

But. let's keep 'em both.

[robbnen]

What's the deal with McClain? I didn't see the game today. It's a great story to see a 36 year old hit his first ML homerun. But, why in the world are the Giants taking up a roster spot with this guy?

[Bear]

What's the deal with McClain? I didn't see the game today. It's a great story to see a 36 year old hit his first ML homerun. But, why in the world are the Giants taking up a roster spot with this guy?

He has spent 19 years in the minors and has over 300 HRs. He had another good year so to reward him they gave him a September call up and a chance to get at least 1 ML HR. He will not be with the Giants past this season. ;)

[McCovey]

Here's a good article about McClain from Rob Neyer.



McClain has day to remember
Wednesday, September 3, 2008

On Wednesday morning, I mentioned Koyie Hill (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5385)'s callup being a great story.

Well, here's another one: On Wednesday, Scott McClain (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3606) hit his first major league homer.

Why is this a great story?

Because McClain's 36 years old, and entered today's game with 362 home runs in the minor leagues and Japan.

This isn't his first taste of the majors. He picked up 20 at-bats with the Devil Rays in 1998, 14 with the Cubs in 2005 and 11 with the Giants last year. No homers, though.

McClain first reached the Triple-A level in 1995, as an Orioles farmhand. The Orioles traded him to the Mets after the 1996 season, and after the 1997 season, the Devil Rays signed him as a free agent.

Really, the tone for his career was set in 1998, when the first-year Rays gave him only those 20 at-bats in a season in which they lost 99 games. That year, he was only 26 and absolutely crushed International League pitchers, hitting .299/.385/.589 with 34 homers and 109 RBIs.

How does a 99-loss team not find more than 20 at-bats for a guy like that?

Do you remember Bobby Smith (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3789)? He was Tampa Bay's third baseman that season. In 1999, all of which McClain spent in the minors, the Rays' No. 1 third baseman was 41-year-old Wade Boggs. In a nutshell, this is all you need to know about the first eight or nine seasons of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. In their second season, a season in which they lost 93 games, they preferred 41-year-old Wade Boggs over 27-year-old Scott McClain.

McClain later played Triple-A ball for the Rockies, the Cubs and the A's (in 2006, his first poor Triple-A season). In between, he spent four seasons with the Seibu Lions, and (it must be said) he was good in just one of them. Last year, he joined the Giants, and put up solid Triple-A numbers once again, but didn't get the call in September. This year he posted his best numbers since 1998, and this time the Giants offered the cup of coffee.

McClain will always think he was good enough to spend a few seasons in the major leagues. He's probably right. But while McClain probably won't see the majors again after these next few weeks, he'll always have Sept. 3, 2008, and the sixth-inning sinker from Steven Register (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28944) that wound up landing eight rows deep in the left-field stands at Coors Field.

I just hope he got the baseball back.

[robbnen]

It they can HR off Peavy, let's keep em.

Pablo and Ishikawa both HR off Peavy. Didn't watch the game. Haven't been watching many lately...but read the blurb.

[SF Kid]

Sigh...Sanchez rocked again tonight.

Our pitching (sans Tim) isn't very good is it? So forget trading Matt Cain. We have issues.

[McCovey]

Sigh...Sanchez rocked again tonight.

Our pitching (sans Tim) isn't very good is it? So forget trading Matt Cain. We have issues.
Sanchez is sooooo frustrating. He'll have a brilliant start (he beat Jake Peavy in his last start) then get rocked in his next start. He'll start a game with five great innings then just lose it in the 6th inning. :rolleyes:

[Bear]

Sanchez is sooooo frustrating. He'll have a brilliant start (he beat Jake Peavy in his last start) then get rocked in his next start. He'll start a game with five great innings then just lose it in the 6th inning. :rolleyes:

Sounds like Cain only he has more wins!:pound:

[McCovey]

The Giants pulled out a 1-0 win over the Dodgers. :awesomework.gif

[Bear]

The Bear is getting ready to leave for one of his last two games of the season at AT&T. Lets hope the Giants pull one out of the hat for the Bear!:beerbang:

[SF Kid]

The Bear should be prepared to leave the game in the 3rd inning. I'm not feeling good about tonight.

[SF Kid]

Bottom of 4 --- 6-2 Rockies.

The Bear is having a good time! :BS:

[Bear]

Bottom of 4 --- 6-2 Rockies.

The Bear is having a good time! :BS:

The Bear left at the bottom of the 4th. The game was the worse game I have seen in some time, and I have seen a lot of poor games this season. Jonathan Sanchez was so bad he may have pitched himself right off the team. He was the pits:puke:

[SF Kid]

So you stayed one inning longer than I thought.

Giants ---> :lame:

[Bear]

So you stayed one inning longer than I thought.

Giants ---> :lame:

On more painful inning! :cry:

[Bear]

Well guys did you know that Zito in his first two years as a Giant is 21-30. Not what you were hoping for in a 126 Mil. dollar pitcher is it? Well if we keep him through his contract we have 5 more years. Plus I think there is an additional option year but I am not sure about that.:eek:

[SF Kid]

Why do the Rockies own us?

[SF Kid]

Hey, Cain is pitching tonight. The Giants have two hits through eight innings. Par for the course. Cain sucks. :rolleyes:

[Bear]

Giant lose 2-1. Cain takes the loss and ends the year at 8-14 with a 3.76 ERA. Nothing special so I guess if the Brewers want him for Fielder I am in.:bugeye:

[Swede]

So we go and get Fielder. Take a look at the team next year. Pablo, Benji, and Prince....those three probably will tip the scales at 1000lbs. As long as they can hit the ball out of the infield, we should do ok. Cain will do well somewhere else. His ERA is respectable, but a change of may beneficial to both parties.

[jandajuice]

any update on the trade talk

[robbnen]

I don't know but the more I look at the Prince Fielder, the more I think that all that weight on those joints is an injury waiting to happen.

[Bear]

I don't know but the more I look at the Prince Fielder, the more I think that all that weight on those joints is an injury waiting to happen.

Tell that to his father who was as big and a all-star played for the Tigers for many years.:eek: