I Had To Turn It Off!

It was described by one writer  as "West Side Story".  If that was true it wouldn't have lasted two nights on Broadway.  I am talking about the NBA All Star Game which I thought was so horrendous that I turned it off at half time.  When I was young living in a different century we used to call a player who shot the ball every time he touched it a 'hog'.  I assume in this politically correct world  using such a word today would be a 'hate' crime.

A 19 year old drop out from UCLA revived the slam dunk contest which Jim Barnett the Warriors color commentator just last week said had gotten so bad he couldn't watch it. Then Stephen Curry the new NBA star from the Warriors set the net on fire winning the 3 point shooting contest.  Someone said a few years ago "It's too bad they had to play the game."  One of those 'hogs' was another ex Bruin Russell Westbrook who certainly showed he could shoot but the game illustrated very clearly that many in the NBA think they can shoot but can't.  I know some of you who read this blog are NBA fans while others can't stand it.  One thing I believe everyone can agree upon it that the season is tooooo looong! Have the Warriors worn themselves out?

Giants Notes:

I noticed a picture of Duane Kuiper getting ready for the season by having his toe nails painted orange and black.   I also go to a nail saloon but only to have my toe nails cut since I can't reach them anymore.  Best $7.00 I ever spent.

Read an article that Brandon Belt had given up Texas beef for a healthy food diet during the off season and expects to hit 50-60 home runs this coming year.  Is he full of bull?  I wonder if Belt read the book by Babe Ruth "My 60 Home Run Diet."  The book has been out of print for 75 years.  I assume we won't see Brandon at Don and Charlies famous Scottsdale prime rib restaurant this spring.

I will be missing Spring Training this year because of my wife Barbara's health situation which makes it difficult to travel.  It was always enjoyable time, great atmosphere, wonderful friends, close to the field seats, and that special Arizona weather.  I know the US government is printing money faster then they can cut down trees to make the paper, but I wish they would send me a few of their rejects. I would have needed them this spring to attend the Giants games at Scottsdale. In case you haven't checked tickets prices for the March 7th Giants-Padres game will cost $35. for standing room only on the outfield grass.  Wish it wasn't true but they will be sold out!  It's no wonder they can afford to pay Cain $10 million a win. 

The Kansas City Royals pitcher and World Series flop James Shields signed with the Padres for $75 million but primarily because of California taxes the poor guy will only net about $40 million.  And I thought all the Giants had to do was to bring in the fences in order to sign one Cuban slugger.

7th hole at Pebble Beach

Buster Posey playing this last week on the beautiful Monterey peninsula tied for fifth place in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am with his pro partner Nick Watney.  Posey happened to mention to a writer during the week that he was going to hit the weights more this year.   Be careful Buster!  As one of the Golf channel commentators said about Tiger Woods,  it wasn't his back operation that put him on disabled list but the fact that he worked out so much that he lost his flexibility. 

We have lost count over the years but it was just announced that baseball is again going to review the strike zone.  Seems last year that strike zone was bigger then normal and that was the reason for the lower run production.  Oh for those good old steroid years.  Giant fans know listening to Mike Krukow and Dodger fans Rick Monday that every umpire has his own strike zone and players just have to adjust.  That's the way it is.  The umpires have a very strong union which prevents them from being fired for incompetency.  The call that troubles me the most is the strike two call on a pitch way outside or low.   You can see the frustration on the batter's face.  He gives up and usually swings at the next pitch which is even further outside.  I believe this costs teams more games then an umpire missing a call at first base and for that reason I don't support instant replay.

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