Hi Everyone,
Let me first wish all of you a very happy and healthy new year and hope you had a very blessed Christmas and that Santa was good to you. Some kids do stupid things like saying they don't believe in Santa anymore. I never did. I think I was 14 when I started wonder a little but why give up a good thing? I was too smart to do that and has it paid off throughout the years. Santa may not always be dressed in his red and white outfit and come bye sleigh to Southern California but a Lexus will do.
My thoughts on our three major teams.
The Warriors and the NBA
Currently the Warriors have won four in a row and after being the worst team in the league the first part but could end up being the best of the worst and even though the top brass have been scouting the top college stars the more wins the team gets the less the chance of getting a future member of the Hall of Fame in the draft.
Steve Kerr has done an excellent job and the players are playing hard because they either want to stay with the Blue Bag city team or get picked up by another team. They are playing for their NBA careers.
The Warriors would have to play almost at the pace the 73 win team did a few years ago to make the playoffs this year. We are guessing it would take 48 wins to make the playoffs; could be 50 or 46 but the sake of argument we will settle with 48. They currently have 9 wins. That means they will need to win 39 of the remaining 49 games to make the playoffs.
I don't see the Warriors throwing games for the sake of a higher lottery chance so they could become the best of the worst with the return of Curry and Thompson, really a horrible drafting position to be in.
Those of you who have read my blog for couple years know how I have harped on the NBA regular season being a waste. What is the major study in the NBA this year? How to make the regular season more meaningful. Wonder where they got the idea?!
I was asked if I know how the attendance has been. My cousin three times removed and a Warrior employee told me that it hasn't been bad. My cousin once removed who run the a Giant souvenir stand at MoMos across from Oracle was given the same opportunity to open a Warrior stand near Chase. He checked with the restaurant manager and learned that crowds have not been as expected. My thought is to tell the A's, new owners of the Oracle Arena, not to tear it down quite yet.
The 49ers
Two years ago when Lynch and Shannan were hired we said they were the answer for the 49ers. They have proven the prophecy. A promising season last year was diminished when Jimmy Garoppolo was injured. This resulted in the 49ers getting the second player in the draft and they chose Nick Bosa the great defensive lineman from Ohio State who has solidified an already very good line. It also allowed Shannan to coach a college all star game. This is where he discovered Emmuel Sanders and noticed that nobody could cover him so he became the Niners second draft choice. What gems!
I wrote when the 49ers lost in OT to Seattle earlier in the season that they could have run out the clock and settled for a tie. Yes, they would have criticized. But they were terrible in the second half and should have been thrilled with a tie. Their record would now be 12-2-1 and Seattle would 10-4-1. Sunday's game wouldn't matter and the Niners would have the bye in the first round the playoffs.
I have been asked what I think of the 49ers. I am not sure they are the best team in the NFC but they can play with any teams which they have proven this year. They would probably split 10 games with New Orleans and Seattle and take 7 out of 10 from Green Bay. They have a good a chance of any NFC team to make the Super Bowl. But if they not going to win the Super Bowl lose early.
If there is best team in the NFL, I would say Baltimore but can they get by New England and the Chiefs with their QB can give any team fits.
The Giants
Time is running short. Little over six weeks until spring training and Giant fans aren't happy. The team has lost four of their top stars from last year and have not replaced them. The Giants looked at their situation and noted that most of their money is going to declining players such as Longorio, Posey, Crawford and Belt. The Giants are not going to repeat the same mistake again. Don't look for 31 year old veterans to get big 5 year contracts. The Warriors will be in the same perdictament in two years. Like the gold miners of the 1850's, the Giants will be looking for that diamond in the rough.
I am really shocked that baseball is changing the rules so that a relief pitcher has to pitch to 3 batters unless an inning ends. Now they are getting serious about saving the game. Bochy got out just in time and what is Dave Roberts of the Dodgers going to do?
The Monday Night Football Pool
A few members of our blog I believe still play the MNF Pool. Each Monday Night game is chosen at the start of the season and given from 17- 1 point for the game. The total is 153 points.
After playing the game for about 20 years, I won $125. last year coming in third place 3 points behind the winner who won $1500.
This year I accumulated 140 points and tied for 5th place with a few others which netted me $48. The winner who got $1440. had 142 points and three players tied for second with 141 points. So close yet so far. Then I started thinking. I lost the Seattle game mentioned above. I wonder how many players above me earned points for a Seattle win? If the game was tied everybody loses so I'm beginning to think that Shannan cost me a few buck. If he wins the Super Bowl, I will forgive him.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
30 Years and Older
I am over 60 years of age and wonder how 30 year old athletes can be so vulnerable to sickness and injury in this day and age of workouts and medical advise.
49ers
I would have gone for the tie. With about 1 1/2 minutes left in overtime, the 49ers took control the ball in their own territory. Seattle was out of time outs. Run out the clock and be happy with a tie. The offense hadn't done a thing in the second half. But no, that would be unpopular. The result is a loss to a division rival and perhaps a playoff spot. So instead of running, the 49ers excuse for a QB threw three passes, the first two could have been intercepted if the Seattle defenders ever learned to catch. So once the Seahawks got the ball back down the field they came kicking the winning field goal.
The Niners were exposed big time. True they were missing some key players but it was also true they got a few back. Injuries are part of the game. Robbie Gould the Niners 36 year old outstanding place kicker was injured and out of the game. A winning field goal was missed in overtime and 49er fans have a strong argument that they would have won if Gould was available. The prune pickers schedule gets much more difficult now with many of their weaknesses expose. We can dream of a 12-4 season but be thrilled at 11-5.
The Warriors
Our last article answered their season when we wrote it depended on injuries. That was right on! Not only are they looking at a lottery pick but maybe even the first ones since the team executives are spending their time supporting college basketball.
I am sure it was just a coincidence but Curry was injured on LGBT night. Do you think maybe God was a little upset?
In the early going the Warriors can hardly win a game but some of the new players are showing potential. It's a great opportunity for them. I wonder what advise Jerry West could have provided if they renewed his contract a few years ago but they didn't and now he consults with the Clippers.
If you think this is the last injuries to Curry, Thompson and Green you are sadly mistaken. They are over 30 and they will not be able to play in the neighborhood of 30 games in each of the coming seasons. Other Warriors are hurt even the 19 year old. One wonders what they learn about keeping themselves in shape at our universities. One also has to wonder why a know-it-all-owner of the Warriors would sign 'old men' like Curry, Thompson and Green to a long term contracts? He really had no choice. Letting any those three go would have been a pr nightmare. So the owner was really stuck. The results being the Warrior salary being dominated by injury prone players limiting access to other players.
The Giants
The team is in place with the naming of a new General Manager Scott Harris and Gabe Kapler as manager. What direction will they take? I have no idea! Will there be purge of over 30 year old players and the Giants decide to go young? Did they tell the new GM that then could only sign left handed pitchers? No righties are welcome in this socialists haven.
I was upset that they are keeping triple alley because it is unfair to the batter. I remember last season Bob Brenly the ex-Giant and current D-Back commentator saying it would be a shame to lose the most exciting play in baseball. Yes, it is sure exciting when a Giant hits a triple. Of course it really gets more thrilling to watch the next batter pop up, then a strike out and ground out. Real exciting!
Saturday, October 12, 2019
The End and the Start
Bruce Bochy left as a hero - The 49ers are unbeaten - the new Chase Concert Hall Opens for basketball and the Sharks are Lousy
Sharks
Thought this year I would follow hockey a little closer since the Sharks always seem to have a good team and in most years a very good team. Not this year! The only good news is that it is a looonnng season. After losing 5 out of 6 in the pre season they dropped their first four league games, I thought they might be the first hockey team to go winless for the season. But surprise they beat the Blackhawks 5-4. What a relief! In both games against Vegas they gave up short handed goals. That's embarrassing!
49ers
I am not sure the Niners deserve to be unbeaten. Their game against the Steelers was comedy of errors but the Steelers gave the ball back to the Prune Pickers late the 4th quarter which led to the winning TD. The running game against Cleveland was exceptional. But injuries are starting to take hold with the two starting tackles and great blocking fullback out for awhile. This will make the game Sunday against the Rams a real challenge. Nick Bosa the #1 draft choice from Ohio State has been a terror on defense and made a good defense even better. A real strength!
In the last issue we mentioned Bob Fouts a 49er announcer during the early days. One of my blog members CG from the East Bay reminded me that he was famous for his spoonerisms and mangling names. There was great concern when the Niners drafted Tucker Fredrickson. I heard that Bob Fouts passed away recently. Some of you may remember Don Klien from Hawaii who also passed away. He was the radio announcer for the Seals after WW II. I believe he also did some 49er games.
Warriors and the NBA
Listen to Green, Curry and Thompson and the GS Warriors will be right on top at the end. This could be true if everyone stayed healthy. But the NBA is a long grueling season that is tough on all the players and especially those over 30. How healthy they stay will determine their season.
The new Chase Concert Center has now hosted two Warrior games. The Lakers blew out the city of blue baggers and then they bounced back against the Timberwolves with Curry having one of those great nights. Can Curry carry them the playoffs?
The NBA doing the work of the devil forced North Carolina to pull a bathroom piece of legislation under the threat of moving the All Star game. The socialist leaning NBA sees no problem with China and showed theirs true colors which aren't red, white and blue. Listening to tv reports it is Nike who controls the NBA.
The Giants
Larry Baer President of Giants sent out his end of the year letter which was very positive for next year. If I read the letter in August I would have agreed. But the Orange and Black played so poorly in September my initial thought was to get rid of the 40 players and start over again.
Bruce Bochy was a great manager because the players liked him and played for him.The key for any managers success today. I didn't always agree with Boch with his left - right strategy. In fact in a recent September game the Gains were leading 3-2 in the 9th with the bases loaded and one out. Boch brought in a left hander who I never heard of and threw four pitches striking out the batter looking very impressive. I never would have taken him out. Bochy had to bring a right hander and he quickly threw four pitches in the dirt forcing the tying run across the plate.
The Dodger players loved Dave Roberts for the same reason the Giants loved Bochy. That is until they lost to an very inferior Washington team. The big move was bringing in Clayton Kershaw in relief. A couple of quick homers and Dodgers were wondering what happened. I learned long ago that it was not good idea normally to use a starter in relief. I always remember Ralph Branca coming in to pitch for the Dodgers and giving up the hit 'heard around the world' to Bobby Thompson in 1951. But I also remember a guy named Bumgarner relieving for the Giants to win a World Series. His was little different since he came in the game early almost like he started it.
I don't know how many moves Zaidi will make. He made over 60 during the season wearing out 4 sets of tires on the Greyhound buses. I am assure it won't be the 40 suggested above but it could be substantial. It is impossible to predict what will happen. But my thoughts are:
Sign the Astro pitcher Gerrit Cole who is the brother-in-law Brandon Crawford forcing the Giants to keep him as their shortstop. This would anchor the starting staff of Bumgarner, Cueto, Samardzija and perhaps Beede. I would have released Beede years ago but he was a #1 draft choice so they kept him and he pitched some good games last year.
The relief staff would be Smith, Watson, Morona (if recovered from his injury) and Anderson. Anderson with that horrible hair seems like he has an attitude problem. He flopped as a starter but when Bochy put him in the 8th or 9th inning with the game on the line he looked like a different pitcher. Sign two veteran relievers and hope for the best. The submarine reliever Rogers looked impressive.
In the infield Mauricio Dubon showed enough during September to be the second baseman and Crawford will be at shortstop if the Giants sign his brother-in-law. I still think Longoria is a waste at third although he had a good six week period when the teams was winning. He is lucky to hit .260 and 20 homers. His contract will force the Giants to keep him. That probably the same reason they will have to keep a .230 hitter Belt at first. In a perfect world I would dump both Longoria and and Belt. I got so sick and tired of watching Belt walk back to the dugout after striking out.
Based on their play this year Pillar and Yastrzemski should be starters in the outfield. The third and fourth spots would be wide open. Dickerson started hot but after being on IL he never really recovered. A good spring and he would be the starting left fielder at least against right handers. Jaylin Davis the big minor league home run hitter can't hit a major league fast ball. Too bad because he is real athlete. That position is wide open although the catcher Vogt can play a decent left field as a fifth outfielder.
Dumping Buster Posey would be a pr nightmare so he and Vogt will most likely do most of the catching.
I am sure the 2020 Giants will not be anything like I mentioned above with Zaidi in charge.
Sharks
Thought this year I would follow hockey a little closer since the Sharks always seem to have a good team and in most years a very good team. Not this year! The only good news is that it is a looonnng season. After losing 5 out of 6 in the pre season they dropped their first four league games, I thought they might be the first hockey team to go winless for the season. But surprise they beat the Blackhawks 5-4. What a relief! In both games against Vegas they gave up short handed goals. That's embarrassing!
49ers
I am not sure the Niners deserve to be unbeaten. Their game against the Steelers was comedy of errors but the Steelers gave the ball back to the Prune Pickers late the 4th quarter which led to the winning TD. The running game against Cleveland was exceptional. But injuries are starting to take hold with the two starting tackles and great blocking fullback out for awhile. This will make the game Sunday against the Rams a real challenge. Nick Bosa the #1 draft choice from Ohio State has been a terror on defense and made a good defense even better. A real strength!
In the last issue we mentioned Bob Fouts a 49er announcer during the early days. One of my blog members CG from the East Bay reminded me that he was famous for his spoonerisms and mangling names. There was great concern when the Niners drafted Tucker Fredrickson. I heard that Bob Fouts passed away recently. Some of you may remember Don Klien from Hawaii who also passed away. He was the radio announcer for the Seals after WW II. I believe he also did some 49er games.
Warriors and the NBA
Listen to Green, Curry and Thompson and the GS Warriors will be right on top at the end. This could be true if everyone stayed healthy. But the NBA is a long grueling season that is tough on all the players and especially those over 30. How healthy they stay will determine their season.
The new Chase Concert Center has now hosted two Warrior games. The Lakers blew out the city of blue baggers and then they bounced back against the Timberwolves with Curry having one of those great nights. Can Curry carry them the playoffs?
The NBA doing the work of the devil forced North Carolina to pull a bathroom piece of legislation under the threat of moving the All Star game. The socialist leaning NBA sees no problem with China and showed theirs true colors which aren't red, white and blue. Listening to tv reports it is Nike who controls the NBA.
The Giants
Larry Baer President of Giants sent out his end of the year letter which was very positive for next year. If I read the letter in August I would have agreed. But the Orange and Black played so poorly in September my initial thought was to get rid of the 40 players and start over again.
Bruce Bochy was a great manager because the players liked him and played for him.The key for any managers success today. I didn't always agree with Boch with his left - right strategy. In fact in a recent September game the Gains were leading 3-2 in the 9th with the bases loaded and one out. Boch brought in a left hander who I never heard of and threw four pitches striking out the batter looking very impressive. I never would have taken him out. Bochy had to bring a right hander and he quickly threw four pitches in the dirt forcing the tying run across the plate.
The Dodger players loved Dave Roberts for the same reason the Giants loved Bochy. That is until they lost to an very inferior Washington team. The big move was bringing in Clayton Kershaw in relief. A couple of quick homers and Dodgers were wondering what happened. I learned long ago that it was not good idea normally to use a starter in relief. I always remember Ralph Branca coming in to pitch for the Dodgers and giving up the hit 'heard around the world' to Bobby Thompson in 1951. But I also remember a guy named Bumgarner relieving for the Giants to win a World Series. His was little different since he came in the game early almost like he started it.
I don't know how many moves Zaidi will make. He made over 60 during the season wearing out 4 sets of tires on the Greyhound buses. I am assure it won't be the 40 suggested above but it could be substantial. It is impossible to predict what will happen. But my thoughts are:
Sign the Astro pitcher Gerrit Cole who is the brother-in-law Brandon Crawford forcing the Giants to keep him as their shortstop. This would anchor the starting staff of Bumgarner, Cueto, Samardzija and perhaps Beede. I would have released Beede years ago but he was a #1 draft choice so they kept him and he pitched some good games last year.
The relief staff would be Smith, Watson, Morona (if recovered from his injury) and Anderson. Anderson with that horrible hair seems like he has an attitude problem. He flopped as a starter but when Bochy put him in the 8th or 9th inning with the game on the line he looked like a different pitcher. Sign two veteran relievers and hope for the best. The submarine reliever Rogers looked impressive.
In the infield Mauricio Dubon showed enough during September to be the second baseman and Crawford will be at shortstop if the Giants sign his brother-in-law. I still think Longoria is a waste at third although he had a good six week period when the teams was winning. He is lucky to hit .260 and 20 homers. His contract will force the Giants to keep him. That probably the same reason they will have to keep a .230 hitter Belt at first. In a perfect world I would dump both Longoria and and Belt. I got so sick and tired of watching Belt walk back to the dugout after striking out.
Based on their play this year Pillar and Yastrzemski should be starters in the outfield. The third and fourth spots would be wide open. Dickerson started hot but after being on IL he never really recovered. A good spring and he would be the starting left fielder at least against right handers. Jaylin Davis the big minor league home run hitter can't hit a major league fast ball. Too bad because he is real athlete. That position is wide open although the catcher Vogt can play a decent left field as a fifth outfielder.
Dumping Buster Posey would be a pr nightmare so he and Vogt will most likely do most of the catching.
I am sure the 2020 Giants will not be anything like I mentioned above with Zaidi in charge.
Monday, September 16, 2019
B, B and F All in One
F Football
I am a little late with this blog. After the Tampa Bay- 49ers game in week one, I concluded that the the worst team lost, I think! Tampa Bay's play calling certainly benefitted the Niners. The NFL is out with a 100 year logo. If the Niners and Bucs game was any example, the league would never have lasted more than five years.
The Prune Growers were much improved in the second week beating a very poor Cincinnati Bengals team that did not resemble their Super Bowl teams of the past. The game gives Niners fans hope for the season. The team has a quanity of very good running backs as shown on Sunday With the first two backs McKinnon and Coleman out the reserves rolled with some quality runs. The defense like in week one, played exceptionally well. The 49ers first round draftee Bosa, if he can stay healthy, is a big addition to an already strong and experienced defense. The second rounder Samuel a receiver, looks like a star in the making even though he has made a few mistakes in the first two weeks.
With offensive tackle Staley out I look for the Steelers to get after Garoppolo this coming Sunday. How he handles it will be a big clue to the 49er success this year. A 49er analyst after the Tampa Bay game inferred that the thought Garoppolo was "chicken."
Dan Fouts, the former Charger, Oregon Duck and St. Ignatius Wildcat has been a football television analyst for years. His father Bob Fouts was the voice of the 49ers in their early years. He was noted for yelling RED DOG RED DOG when the defense would rush their linebackers on the quarterback which at the time was just beginning to be popular. Greg Pappa might change it to Black Dog Black Dog this Sunday as the Steelers defense gets after Garoppolo.
I observed some college football on television during the first few weeks. I could not believe the Northwestern coach decision on his qb and the USC strategy against Fresno State. It reminded me what a great country we have when one doesn't even have to be smart to make millions.
I noticed that both the NFL and the NCAA helmets have the American flag stuck on the back. Who is kidding who?!
B Baseball
The Giants eliminated themselves from the Wild Card race by losing most of their games, The September Giants look an awful like the early season Giants. Some players who might have thought they had a spot on the 40 man roster for next year better at least get a few hits in these final weeks.
I was asked by a sports fan on my daily walk around the North Lake in Irvine, "Who is going to be the new Giants manager?" My reply was I don't even know who is going to make the choice. Zaidi who is the head of baseball operations, can hire a General Manager and that person will make the choice of the manager. Zaidi himself could make the choice which I expect unless he has his new GM picked out. Zadi would love to have either Melvin of the A's or Roberts of the Dodgers.
Is Bochy protecting his favorites? Belt and Crawford are playing every day. Dubon who is shortstop by trade is playing second instead of the Giants evaluating his play at shortstop. Belt continues to strike out a few times a game but Shaw and Garcia up from Sacramento have not had a chance to play first.
Bochy needs 3 wins to reach 2000 for a career. The Giants should be able to reach this goal for him.
The chance of being a .500 team are almost impossible.
After the season I will attempt to guess on some of the moves the team will make. If it is like during the season there could be many more.
B Basketball
The Warriors first practice game against the Lakers is October 5that the new Chase Concert Center. The "season" begins on October 24th against the Clippers with tickets priced from $240. to $2400.
Ticket prices range wildly. The Dallas game in December for example is priced from $100. to $1250.
These prices could change depending on demand just like air fares. If the Warriors have tickets left with a day to go they might even pay you to attend the game. Fat chance! But tickets would be "cheaper".
I have been thinking of attending he Cleveland game on April 8th for the following reasons:
- To see the Concert Hall
- It's a replay of a recent NBA Championship series.
- It's the next to last home game which the Warriors may have to win to make the playoffs
- Prices currently range from $80. to $403.
- The "lower price" tickets have an * by the price indicating that oxygen is available.
- The 2020 Giants are home against Arizona that week allowing me to kill two birds with one trip.
I am a little late with this blog. After the Tampa Bay- 49ers game in week one, I concluded that the the worst team lost, I think! Tampa Bay's play calling certainly benefitted the Niners. The NFL is out with a 100 year logo. If the Niners and Bucs game was any example, the league would never have lasted more than five years.
The Prune Growers were much improved in the second week beating a very poor Cincinnati Bengals team that did not resemble their Super Bowl teams of the past. The game gives Niners fans hope for the season. The team has a quanity of very good running backs as shown on Sunday With the first two backs McKinnon and Coleman out the reserves rolled with some quality runs. The defense like in week one, played exceptionally well. The 49ers first round draftee Bosa, if he can stay healthy, is a big addition to an already strong and experienced defense. The second rounder Samuel a receiver, looks like a star in the making even though he has made a few mistakes in the first two weeks.
With offensive tackle Staley out I look for the Steelers to get after Garoppolo this coming Sunday. How he handles it will be a big clue to the 49er success this year. A 49er analyst after the Tampa Bay game inferred that the thought Garoppolo was "chicken."
Dan Fouts, the former Charger, Oregon Duck and St. Ignatius Wildcat has been a football television analyst for years. His father Bob Fouts was the voice of the 49ers in their early years. He was noted for yelling RED DOG RED DOG when the defense would rush their linebackers on the quarterback which at the time was just beginning to be popular. Greg Pappa might change it to Black Dog Black Dog this Sunday as the Steelers defense gets after Garoppolo.
I observed some college football on television during the first few weeks. I could not believe the Northwestern coach decision on his qb and the USC strategy against Fresno State. It reminded me what a great country we have when one doesn't even have to be smart to make millions.
I noticed that both the NFL and the NCAA helmets have the American flag stuck on the back. Who is kidding who?!
B Baseball
The Giants eliminated themselves from the Wild Card race by losing most of their games, The September Giants look an awful like the early season Giants. Some players who might have thought they had a spot on the 40 man roster for next year better at least get a few hits in these final weeks.
I was asked by a sports fan on my daily walk around the North Lake in Irvine, "Who is going to be the new Giants manager?" My reply was I don't even know who is going to make the choice. Zaidi who is the head of baseball operations, can hire a General Manager and that person will make the choice of the manager. Zaidi himself could make the choice which I expect unless he has his new GM picked out. Zadi would love to have either Melvin of the A's or Roberts of the Dodgers.
Is Bochy protecting his favorites? Belt and Crawford are playing every day. Dubon who is shortstop by trade is playing second instead of the Giants evaluating his play at shortstop. Belt continues to strike out a few times a game but Shaw and Garcia up from Sacramento have not had a chance to play first.
Bochy needs 3 wins to reach 2000 for a career. The Giants should be able to reach this goal for him.
The chance of being a .500 team are almost impossible.
After the season I will attempt to guess on some of the moves the team will make. If it is like during the season there could be many more.
B Basketball
The Warriors first practice game against the Lakers is October 5that the new Chase Concert Center. The "season" begins on October 24th against the Clippers with tickets priced from $240. to $2400.
Ticket prices range wildly. The Dallas game in December for example is priced from $100. to $1250.
 |
| Back in the 1960s I took advantage of this deal a few times. Seems like yesterday |
I have been thinking of attending he Cleveland game on April 8th for the following reasons:
- To see the Concert Hall
- It's a replay of a recent NBA Championship series.
- It's the next to last home game which the Warriors may have to win to make the playoffs
- Prices currently range from $80. to $403.
- The "lower price" tickets have an * by the price indicating that oxygen is available.
- The 2020 Giants are home against Arizona that week allowing me to kill two birds with one trip.
Monday, August 19, 2019
The New Giants
The Giants
The Giants played very exciting baseball in beating the DBacks 3 out of 4 in the series over the weekend. They have joined the baseball fraternity of home run hitters with many players we never had heard of six months ago. The Giant pre game commentators Saturday night said the lineup that night was the best they had seen with Belt hitting 7th, Crawford 8th and no Posey. Then Sunday the Giants scored 1 run in their only loss with Posey batting third and Belt fourth.
Are the Giants still in the pennant race? Almost all responses I receive say no and tell me not to get excited. If 89 wins will get the Giants into the playoffs, they can lose only 11 more games in the 12 series they play. They need to sweep at least one series and not lose more than one game in the other ones. Not impossible but with the Giants pitching very improbable.
Krukow commented Sunday that 100 pitch rule has caught up with the teams. Mike being a starting pitcher from the last century thinks the pitch count is stupid. The relief staffs have been over worked throughout baseball and the high scoring games indicate that most pitching staff now have three or four minor leaguers.
Dickerson has returned from the IL but he is not the same player. I don't know if it is his injury or if he was just red hot when he first joined the team.
The outfield of Yastrzemski, Pillar and Slater has been great not only at the plate but in the field with some great catches. Jaylin Davis the outfielder they got on trade day in his first 14 games in Sacramento is hitting. 404 which includes 8 homers and 5 doubles. He would have normally been brought up but how can you bench the regulars.
Another player they got on trade day Mauricio Dubon is playing ss hitting .302 with 2 homers. The Giants called up the River Cats ss Ablata Avelino to open the spot for Dubon. The Giants are looking to see if they have the replacement for Crawford. Replacing his bat is not difficult but even though Brandon isn't the fielder he once was, he still makes outstanding plays and will be tough to replace.
The jury is still out on second baseman Scooter Gennett. He was on IL most of the season so his hitting is below par but he has shown flashes of being a pretty good hitter. He has had a hard time laying off a 2 strike pitch in the dirt. As advertised his fielding is only adequate but he has made three big blunders on the base paths.
The 49ers
It sounds strange but anyone who watch the Denver game knows that even though the 49ers won they got slaughtered. At the beginning of training the question was who is going to be the backup qb but now the question has to be who is going to start. Garoppolo was terrible and he will have to prove something in the last two pre season games.
A few observations . . . A holding penalty on Denver called back a 50 yard gain that prevented the Broncos from scoring a TD in the first half. A big play in the game. . . The Broncos lost their 2nd string qb who was playing pretty well so that the ex Stanford Cardinal Hogan the 3rd stringer played most of the second half which help the Niners. . . When Denver scored to cut the lead to 9 in the 4th quarter, the Broncos went for 2 points with a simple buck in the middle instead of kicking the extra point to make it an 8 point game. They wanted no part of overtime. . . Coleman the 49ers starting back had a nice run on his first carry and amazingly wasn't hurt. . . Thought the Niners defense played well.
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Welcome Alex
Break In
Let me welcome Alex Rodriquez from ABC Sunday Night Baseball to the fast growing Car Break In Family of San Francisco. I feel honored to have him as one of our members. The number in the group has passed 100,000 since San Francisco became a sanctuary city. Alex's break in was similar to mine losing a camera and electronics valued in the neighborhood of $500,000. According to the SF Police it is a priority. Yea, sure it is! Don't rent a car in the Blue Bag city unless you have a secure garage to park it. Take street cars, BART, Greyhound, Uber and whatever to get around.
Giants
I wrote last time if the Giants were within 3 games when Dickerson returned they would still have a. chance. They are currently 3 1/2 behind. He has not returned as I write this. The problem has become pitching. The Giants only have two starters Bumgarner and Samadzija. Smith, Watson, Moronta and Coonrod are reliable relievers. The other seven pitchers are usually on a Greyhound computing between Sacramento and San Francisco. The Giants are signing almost every pitcher released in the majors and sending them to Sacramento hoping for a baseball rebirth.
I flew to San Francisco last Wednesday with my daughter to enjoy the game from the Getty suite. The Giants were dead but the companionship was great. Since people have asked me, the Getty suite looks right down the first base line into right field.
I think the Giants made a big mistake in putting in such a large score board in centerfield. All it does is block the view of beautiful San Francisco Bay. A modernized version the old scoreboard from Seals Stadium would had sufficed. These stadiums act like babies ---my scoreboard is bigger then yours ha ha!
I was sorry to see Joe Panik leave. He was given every chance to make a comeback. He was great Giant and made some memorable plays that made the team a winner. Not sure if it was injuries or the shift that hurt his game. Glad he signed with the Mets since he is a New York native. Always thought he might end up a Yankee because of the short right field fence. Best of luck to him.
I feel sorry for Steve Duggar who hurt his shoulder at the game I attended. He was going to be the future centerfielder of the Giants. He batted in the .230s and was sent back to Sacramento and had just returned to show what he could do. I don't see him having a chance of making club next year.
To make the playoffs the Giants will most likely have to win 89 games. Since they have already lost 60 games they can only lose 13 more this season. Long odds! They need another July with 17 of 20 wins.
Home Runs
I have also been asked about all the power hitters and home runs. My thought is if you throw the ball 99 miles an hour and it gets hit it goes further. I understand that pitchers that throw at that speed usually are not as accurate with their location which can lead to more homers. Baseball used to get their horsehide for their baseballs from Bay Meadows. Since then they have found a much better quality along the Nile River next to cotton fields. But come on, you know the real reason for all these home runs is climate change. What more proof do you need that the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim even had a rain out this season.
Warriors
I attempted to look at the new Chase Arena but could one get a glimpse as shown in the picture.
An attorney with me in the Getty Box told me he was really upset that his firm spent 1 million dollars on tickets for the Warriors. Heard of another company that paid a million for four years.
It is hard to imagine Chase being like Oracle and all those great fans from the East Bay. Already I hear people saying that can't afford a Warrior game.
Clay Thompson complained last year after one game saying "Where are the fans?" Well the people filling the seats will be guests of these companies and many may not know the difference between a basketball and a soccer ball.
Forty Niners
I am sure many of you who were not at Levi Stadium last Saturday night were glued to your televisions. Looked a lot like last year with the Niners pulling out an exciting suspense filled game with a win. I remember reading during the off season that Niners had so many running backs that they won't be able to use them all. Sure! They had to sign a second string back off the streets of San Jose the day of the first game. Injuries mount and is Bola injury prone since he was hurt at Ohio State last year?
Monday Night Football Pool
A few members of the blog play this game. After many years I finally won I think $150. last year. Was only a couple of point of winning top prize of $1500. You pick each Monday Night game ranking each game 17 to 1 point. Information can be obtained by emailing Mike Willis at uscsucs@sbcglobal.net
Let me welcome Alex Rodriquez from ABC Sunday Night Baseball to the fast growing Car Break In Family of San Francisco. I feel honored to have him as one of our members. The number in the group has passed 100,000 since San Francisco became a sanctuary city. Alex's break in was similar to mine losing a camera and electronics valued in the neighborhood of $500,000. According to the SF Police it is a priority. Yea, sure it is! Don't rent a car in the Blue Bag city unless you have a secure garage to park it. Take street cars, BART, Greyhound, Uber and whatever to get around.
Giants
I wrote last time if the Giants were within 3 games when Dickerson returned they would still have a. chance. They are currently 3 1/2 behind. He has not returned as I write this. The problem has become pitching. The Giants only have two starters Bumgarner and Samadzija. Smith, Watson, Moronta and Coonrod are reliable relievers. The other seven pitchers are usually on a Greyhound computing between Sacramento and San Francisco. The Giants are signing almost every pitcher released in the majors and sending them to Sacramento hoping for a baseball rebirth.
I flew to San Francisco last Wednesday with my daughter to enjoy the game from the Getty suite. The Giants were dead but the companionship was great. Since people have asked me, the Getty suite looks right down the first base line into right field.
I think the Giants made a big mistake in putting in such a large score board in centerfield. All it does is block the view of beautiful San Francisco Bay. A modernized version the old scoreboard from Seals Stadium would had sufficed. These stadiums act like babies ---my scoreboard is bigger then yours ha ha!
I was sorry to see Joe Panik leave. He was given every chance to make a comeback. He was great Giant and made some memorable plays that made the team a winner. Not sure if it was injuries or the shift that hurt his game. Glad he signed with the Mets since he is a New York native. Always thought he might end up a Yankee because of the short right field fence. Best of luck to him.
I feel sorry for Steve Duggar who hurt his shoulder at the game I attended. He was going to be the future centerfielder of the Giants. He batted in the .230s and was sent back to Sacramento and had just returned to show what he could do. I don't see him having a chance of making club next year.
To make the playoffs the Giants will most likely have to win 89 games. Since they have already lost 60 games they can only lose 13 more this season. Long odds! They need another July with 17 of 20 wins.
Home Runs
I have also been asked about all the power hitters and home runs. My thought is if you throw the ball 99 miles an hour and it gets hit it goes further. I understand that pitchers that throw at that speed usually are not as accurate with their location which can lead to more homers. Baseball used to get their horsehide for their baseballs from Bay Meadows. Since then they have found a much better quality along the Nile River next to cotton fields. But come on, you know the real reason for all these home runs is climate change. What more proof do you need that the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim even had a rain out this season.
Warriors
I attempted to look at the new Chase Arena but could one get a glimpse as shown in the picture.
 |
| Homer with Chase Arena in the background |
It is hard to imagine Chase being like Oracle and all those great fans from the East Bay. Already I hear people saying that can't afford a Warrior game.
Clay Thompson complained last year after one game saying "Where are the fans?" Well the people filling the seats will be guests of these companies and many may not know the difference between a basketball and a soccer ball.
Forty Niners
I am sure many of you who were not at Levi Stadium last Saturday night were glued to your televisions. Looked a lot like last year with the Niners pulling out an exciting suspense filled game with a win. I remember reading during the off season that Niners had so many running backs that they won't be able to use them all. Sure! They had to sign a second string back off the streets of San Jose the day of the first game. Injuries mount and is Bola injury prone since he was hurt at Ohio State last year?
Monday Night Football Pool
A few members of the blog play this game. After many years I finally won I think $150. last year. Was only a couple of point of winning top prize of $1500. You pick each Monday Night game ranking each game 17 to 1 point. Information can be obtained by emailing Mike Willis at uscsucs@sbcglobal.net
Monday, August 5, 2019
Almost Impossible!
Giants
Last week I mentioned if the Giants returned from their road trip still within 3 games, they would still be in the race. Then Dickerson went on the IL and I extended my 3 games until he returns. After watching most of their games on the trip I only can conclude they don't have much pitching. A real problem!
I don't know who the Giant starters are and either do they. Samardzija has surprised and has pitched very well and has become the star of the staff. I know one blog member O'B of Moraga who is complete shock. Bumgarner is pitching on reputation. Shaun Anderson, Tyler Beede and somebody else round out the starters. Beede pitches a few good games but that is in the past and Anderson never learned how to play the game. You have heard announcers say he only made one bad pitch that cost him the game. Krukow commented a couple of weeks ago that Anderson made 6 bad pitches in four innings. He will have 2 strikes on the #8 batter in the line-up and throw a hittable pitch instead of one in the dirt. He done that more than once. I am afraid it will be too late when Cuteo is ready.
In relief they still have Smith to clean up, Moronta, Watson, Coonrod, and a few others when they are not in Sacramento. It is not their strength anymore. Since I started to write this the Giants have signed two additional relief pitchers and sent them to Sacramento. Those Greyhound buses are busy every day.
During their winning streak, two pitchers up from Sacramento Williams Jerez and Conner Menez won games back to back. We wondered why they were both sent back immediately. Could it be because they both had flowing beards and I guess Zaidi though they belonged in the gold country since they looked the part.
A couple of weeks ago Dickerson made the play of the week. He was on first with two out and the batter hits a pop up to short left field. Instead of jogging around Dickerson took off immediately and when the ball was dropped he was on his way home with the winning run. Most major league players would have been on third base especially Justin Turner of the Dodgers who is laziest runner I have seen.
I have had a series of dermatology surgeries over the past year and recently I had a growth on my wrist that was removed by a new doctor. They have expanded their staff I think just to take care of me. The doctor was from Orange County grew up a Dodger fans, went to Berkeley and then UCSF Medical School. Told me that he has many friends who are Giant fans and raved about the new Giants GM Zaidi. He also commented that the could not believe that one team could have four great announcers. He is a real baseball fan because he was well aware of the Giants stars playing in San Jose.
Zaidi brought in 8 new players on trade day to ad to the many players that have joined the Giants since he took over. So he will soon have a report card on his progress. Maybe we are getting excited too soon but they got outfielder Jaylin Davis in one of the trade day deals. A right handed hitting outfielder that in his first 10 at bats in Sacramento has 7 hits including 2 homers.
My daughter Jane, a blog member and myself will be flying to Oakland for the day to attend the Giants game on Wednesday. We will be joining a group of my high school classmates in the Getty suite at Oracle. Looking forward to the day.
I plan to write shorter blogs more frequently.
Last week I mentioned if the Giants returned from their road trip still within 3 games, they would still be in the race. Then Dickerson went on the IL and I extended my 3 games until he returns. After watching most of their games on the trip I only can conclude they don't have much pitching. A real problem!
I don't know who the Giant starters are and either do they. Samardzija has surprised and has pitched very well and has become the star of the staff. I know one blog member O'B of Moraga who is complete shock. Bumgarner is pitching on reputation. Shaun Anderson, Tyler Beede and somebody else round out the starters. Beede pitches a few good games but that is in the past and Anderson never learned how to play the game. You have heard announcers say he only made one bad pitch that cost him the game. Krukow commented a couple of weeks ago that Anderson made 6 bad pitches in four innings. He will have 2 strikes on the #8 batter in the line-up and throw a hittable pitch instead of one in the dirt. He done that more than once. I am afraid it will be too late when Cuteo is ready.
In relief they still have Smith to clean up, Moronta, Watson, Coonrod, and a few others when they are not in Sacramento. It is not their strength anymore. Since I started to write this the Giants have signed two additional relief pitchers and sent them to Sacramento. Those Greyhound buses are busy every day.
During their winning streak, two pitchers up from Sacramento Williams Jerez and Conner Menez won games back to back. We wondered why they were both sent back immediately. Could it be because they both had flowing beards and I guess Zaidi though they belonged in the gold country since they looked the part.
A couple of weeks ago Dickerson made the play of the week. He was on first with two out and the batter hits a pop up to short left field. Instead of jogging around Dickerson took off immediately and when the ball was dropped he was on his way home with the winning run. Most major league players would have been on third base especially Justin Turner of the Dodgers who is laziest runner I have seen.
I have had a series of dermatology surgeries over the past year and recently I had a growth on my wrist that was removed by a new doctor. They have expanded their staff I think just to take care of me. The doctor was from Orange County grew up a Dodger fans, went to Berkeley and then UCSF Medical School. Told me that he has many friends who are Giant fans and raved about the new Giants GM Zaidi. He also commented that the could not believe that one team could have four great announcers. He is a real baseball fan because he was well aware of the Giants stars playing in San Jose.
Zaidi brought in 8 new players on trade day to ad to the many players that have joined the Giants since he took over. So he will soon have a report card on his progress. Maybe we are getting excited too soon but they got outfielder Jaylin Davis in one of the trade day deals. A right handed hitting outfielder that in his first 10 at bats in Sacramento has 7 hits including 2 homers.
My daughter Jane, a blog member and myself will be flying to Oakland for the day to attend the Giants game on Wednesday. We will be joining a group of my high school classmates in the Getty suite at Oracle. Looking forward to the day.
I plan to write shorter blogs more frequently.
Thursday, August 1, 2019
The Shock
Giants
The Giants winning steak in July shocked everybody and led to some interesting decisions.
Trade Day
The plan to trade Bumgarner and/or Smith was destroyed by the winning streak. All of sudden the Blue Bag City team was only 2 games behind in the Wild Car race. If you trade one or both you are giving up and both the team and the fans would be very angry to say the least.
So the GM went to Plan B to keep the team competitive and build for the future. He eliminated the relief pitchers who were key to their success. Gone was Sam Dyson although very slow and deliberate did a great job. Mark Melancon went to Atlanta. In his last three or four appearances he did his job very effectively. I never had any confidence in him getting anybody out. He was being paid a $62 million contract and I can't believe the Braves picked up his contract. That alone was a great move.
Drew Pomeranz was a flop as a starter but then during the winning streak became a dominate reliever which made him trade able. The Brewers got him along with Ray Black who has been promoted for a couple of years but never really produced.
The Giants have some strong young arms to replace these relievers. But it is very doubtful if they can be as effective.
The Giants organization received eight new players. With Zaidi reputation they will be followed closely. When he was the Dodgers GM we would marvel on where these home run hitting new
Dodgers came from. One of the most interesting new Giants in my opinion was acquiring of 2nd baseman Gennett from the Reds. Recovering from injuries he has not played much this year but was the NL All Star second basemen last year.
My thought was that if the Giants were still within 3 games of the Wild Card after the Rockies series this weekend they are still in the race. However Dickerson is now on the IL for hopefully only ten days. If they are still within that 3 game games when he returns it could be an exciting September.
Without Dickerson the Giants have zero chance of making the playoff. With him they do have a shot even though slim but still possible. When a team has Crawford batting 5th you know they have a very weak lineup.
Some Quick Thoughts
I have been reading articles about some of new 49ers. I have come away with the opinion that it looks like that they are a cinch to win the NFC and move on the the Super Bowl. Do they even have to play the games?
I see that the Warriors Klay Thompson is saying that if you think the Warriors dynasty is over you are ignorant. What pain medicine are they feeding him? How can you have a dynasty when you lost? Or are the Warriors trying to sell tickets? To build for the future get a lottery pick next year.
The Giants winning steak in July shocked everybody and led to some interesting decisions.
Trade Day
The plan to trade Bumgarner and/or Smith was destroyed by the winning streak. All of sudden the Blue Bag City team was only 2 games behind in the Wild Car race. If you trade one or both you are giving up and both the team and the fans would be very angry to say the least.
So the GM went to Plan B to keep the team competitive and build for the future. He eliminated the relief pitchers who were key to their success. Gone was Sam Dyson although very slow and deliberate did a great job. Mark Melancon went to Atlanta. In his last three or four appearances he did his job very effectively. I never had any confidence in him getting anybody out. He was being paid a $62 million contract and I can't believe the Braves picked up his contract. That alone was a great move.
Drew Pomeranz was a flop as a starter but then during the winning streak became a dominate reliever which made him trade able. The Brewers got him along with Ray Black who has been promoted for a couple of years but never really produced.
The Giants have some strong young arms to replace these relievers. But it is very doubtful if they can be as effective.
The Giants organization received eight new players. With Zaidi reputation they will be followed closely. When he was the Dodgers GM we would marvel on where these home run hitting new
Dodgers came from. One of the most interesting new Giants in my opinion was acquiring of 2nd baseman Gennett from the Reds. Recovering from injuries he has not played much this year but was the NL All Star second basemen last year.
My thought was that if the Giants were still within 3 games of the Wild Card after the Rockies series this weekend they are still in the race. However Dickerson is now on the IL for hopefully only ten days. If they are still within that 3 game games when he returns it could be an exciting September.
Without Dickerson the Giants have zero chance of making the playoff. With him they do have a shot even though slim but still possible. When a team has Crawford batting 5th you know they have a very weak lineup.
Some Quick Thoughts
I have been reading articles about some of new 49ers. I have come away with the opinion that it looks like that they are a cinch to win the NFC and move on the the Super Bowl. Do they even have to play the games?
I see that the Warriors Klay Thompson is saying that if you think the Warriors dynasty is over you are ignorant. What pain medicine are they feeding him? How can you have a dynasty when you lost? Or are the Warriors trying to sell tickets? To build for the future get a lottery pick next year.
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
The Warriors and the Giants
Warriors
Three championships in five years. A great record. The same record as the Giants. In the middle 80's the 49ers won 3 out of 4 Super Bowls. The question is will it be another 25 years before another one is realized. If it is, I most likely will not be around to see the next one.
In other words, I don't think they will make the championship game next year although as I write this they are still making trades. I sure wish Jerry West was still around to provide input.
I was shocked to hear Andre Iquodala comments on the radio from New York. At the time I had no idea he was going to be traded but he obviously knew. On his injury last year and Durham's this year he said that the medical staff was more concerned for the team and not the player. He also said he really liked Coach Mark Jackson and he got fired because he was minister and the president of the Warriors is gay. The Warriors got the coach that better fit their philosophy. Now #9 Iquodala number is going to be retired. I bet Andre is thrilled!
The big let down is coming. Laker fans, Clipper fans all see an NBA championship in the future. It's a loooong season. Age and injuries will be the big factor. The NBA is a young man's game.
It been reported that many think the Warriors will not make the playoffs next year. A little early to tell but if they are going to be eliminated in the first round, it would better to get a lottery pick
I also been reading that their star acquisition Russell will be traded after next year since they will have Curry and Thompson. Whose kidding who? Trade a 24 year old and keep injury prone thirty year olds. Wonder if Thompson has a no trade contract?
Will the new Chase Arena become a white elephant the first year? Remember San Francisco has never supported a NBA team
One thing for sure --- It will be different next year!
The All Star Game
The American League won again. That's I believe seven years in a row. The Association of National League Season ticket holders will soon be demanding that their teams cut their prices 10% because of inferior talent.
The Home Run Derby is so popular that next year major league baseball is going to add a single's hitting contest.
I disagreed with the MVP choice. Thought it should have gone to Will Smith the Giant pitcher because he gave up the winning home run.
The Giants
The Giants are not the same team that opened the season. They are only 5 1/2 games out of the Wild Card race. The problem is there are at least 10 teams ahead of them. Very hard to pass all of them. As Rich Aurila said last Sunday there are 14 games before the trade deadline. If they win 10 of those then maybe they would not be sellers.
The Giants do not have the starting pitching to win 10 out of 14. Let's look at the future under the new GM.
There is excitement because of the addition of Alex Dickerson. Except for some serious medical problems he would have been a solid major leaguer now. The Giants took a chance getting him from the Padres and he looks like the real thing. At least it's the best looking solution we have seen for left field in years. Still as to go through the league again to discover his weaknesses. Time will tell but at least it is a reason to watch the Giants.
I can see why Toronto fans loved Kevin Pillar. He is currently the leading Giant hitter in many categories. Makes great catches in the outfield although in the last few weeks has dropped a few. Hard to explain. I have seen more flies in the outfield dropped this year than I can remember.
Austin Slater was just brought up a week ago. This is his third shot. In the past he usually starts fast and then slumps to .230. This years he has looked different because he is hitting with power with home runs and triples. When the Giants returned home from San Diego to play the Cardinals I could not believe he was on the bench. Another reason to watch the Giants in the coming weeks.
Mike Yastrzemski looks like a great player. Has hit 5 homers in his short time with the team. But his average is low. He needs to raise it 40 points to have a chance for next year. Tyler Austin hits the ball a mile. Problem is he doesn't do it often enough.
I would have thought by this time of his career Belt would be a solid .280 hitter with 25 homers. Instead he is lucky to hit .250 and have 15 homers. Plays a great first base. Big salary will make it almost impossible to trade.
I have called Evan Longoria a waste. Then about two months ago he hit a bases loaded double against the Dodgers that gave the Giants a 3-2 victory. He was interviewed after the game and said he has been waiting a year and a half for that. Hey, buddy's so have we! He had a great week recently in San Diego and has had a few key hits for the Giants. Last year I don't remember one. Bochy has lost his patience by playing Sandoval at third. We have Evan until 2022 with an enormous salary. We're stuck with him.
Donovan Solano is the Giants one reserve infielder. He should play everyday. He hits line drives and when he makes an out he usually hits the ball hard. He has had too few games to judge his fielding. I could not believe when he team returned from San Diego that he was on the bench.
Panik and Crawford both belong on the bench. Maybe Sandoval can play second.
Posey after this surgery has been a big disappointment although he has shown signs of recovering in the last few games. Vogt is almost the first string catcher.
I can't figure out pitching for the future. Solid relief pitching and Will Smith has won a number of games for the Giants. Remember last year I though Rodriguez and Suarez would be solid starters this year. Instead they are both in Sacramento. Anderson and Beede shows some signs of promise but I would not count on them.
The Giants will continue and try to ad new players. Let's hope for the best.
Three championships in five years. A great record. The same record as the Giants. In the middle 80's the 49ers won 3 out of 4 Super Bowls. The question is will it be another 25 years before another one is realized. If it is, I most likely will not be around to see the next one.
In other words, I don't think they will make the championship game next year although as I write this they are still making trades. I sure wish Jerry West was still around to provide input.
I was shocked to hear Andre Iquodala comments on the radio from New York. At the time I had no idea he was going to be traded but he obviously knew. On his injury last year and Durham's this year he said that the medical staff was more concerned for the team and not the player. He also said he really liked Coach Mark Jackson and he got fired because he was minister and the president of the Warriors is gay. The Warriors got the coach that better fit their philosophy. Now #9 Iquodala number is going to be retired. I bet Andre is thrilled!
The big let down is coming. Laker fans, Clipper fans all see an NBA championship in the future. It's a loooong season. Age and injuries will be the big factor. The NBA is a young man's game.
It been reported that many think the Warriors will not make the playoffs next year. A little early to tell but if they are going to be eliminated in the first round, it would better to get a lottery pick
I also been reading that their star acquisition Russell will be traded after next year since they will have Curry and Thompson. Whose kidding who? Trade a 24 year old and keep injury prone thirty year olds. Wonder if Thompson has a no trade contract?
Will the new Chase Arena become a white elephant the first year? Remember San Francisco has never supported a NBA team
One thing for sure --- It will be different next year!
The All Star Game
The American League won again. That's I believe seven years in a row. The Association of National League Season ticket holders will soon be demanding that their teams cut their prices 10% because of inferior talent.
The Home Run Derby is so popular that next year major league baseball is going to add a single's hitting contest.
I disagreed with the MVP choice. Thought it should have gone to Will Smith the Giant pitcher because he gave up the winning home run.
The Giants
The Giants are not the same team that opened the season. They are only 5 1/2 games out of the Wild Card race. The problem is there are at least 10 teams ahead of them. Very hard to pass all of them. As Rich Aurila said last Sunday there are 14 games before the trade deadline. If they win 10 of those then maybe they would not be sellers.
The Giants do not have the starting pitching to win 10 out of 14. Let's look at the future under the new GM.
There is excitement because of the addition of Alex Dickerson. Except for some serious medical problems he would have been a solid major leaguer now. The Giants took a chance getting him from the Padres and he looks like the real thing. At least it's the best looking solution we have seen for left field in years. Still as to go through the league again to discover his weaknesses. Time will tell but at least it is a reason to watch the Giants.
I can see why Toronto fans loved Kevin Pillar. He is currently the leading Giant hitter in many categories. Makes great catches in the outfield although in the last few weeks has dropped a few. Hard to explain. I have seen more flies in the outfield dropped this year than I can remember.
Austin Slater was just brought up a week ago. This is his third shot. In the past he usually starts fast and then slumps to .230. This years he has looked different because he is hitting with power with home runs and triples. When the Giants returned home from San Diego to play the Cardinals I could not believe he was on the bench. Another reason to watch the Giants in the coming weeks.
Mike Yastrzemski looks like a great player. Has hit 5 homers in his short time with the team. But his average is low. He needs to raise it 40 points to have a chance for next year. Tyler Austin hits the ball a mile. Problem is he doesn't do it often enough.
I would have thought by this time of his career Belt would be a solid .280 hitter with 25 homers. Instead he is lucky to hit .250 and have 15 homers. Plays a great first base. Big salary will make it almost impossible to trade.
I have called Evan Longoria a waste. Then about two months ago he hit a bases loaded double against the Dodgers that gave the Giants a 3-2 victory. He was interviewed after the game and said he has been waiting a year and a half for that. Hey, buddy's so have we! He had a great week recently in San Diego and has had a few key hits for the Giants. Last year I don't remember one. Bochy has lost his patience by playing Sandoval at third. We have Evan until 2022 with an enormous salary. We're stuck with him.
Donovan Solano is the Giants one reserve infielder. He should play everyday. He hits line drives and when he makes an out he usually hits the ball hard. He has had too few games to judge his fielding. I could not believe when he team returned from San Diego that he was on the bench.
Panik and Crawford both belong on the bench. Maybe Sandoval can play second.
Posey after this surgery has been a big disappointment although he has shown signs of recovering in the last few games. Vogt is almost the first string catcher.
I can't figure out pitching for the future. Solid relief pitching and Will Smith has won a number of games for the Giants. Remember last year I though Rodriguez and Suarez would be solid starters this year. Instead they are both in Sacramento. Anderson and Beede shows some signs of promise but I would not count on them.
The Giants will continue and try to ad new players. Let's hope for the best.
Thursday, June 27, 2019
SH T!
Hi Everyone,
I understand through the grapevine that some of you have wondered what has happened to the blog. Nothing! At my age time goes too fast plus I have been busy handling tendon problems in my leg, dermatology treatments and surgeries, working on projects and traveling. My travels have included Newport Beach, Garden Grove, Tustin and the Bay Area to meet old friends, attend a high school reunion lunch and see the Giants in person.
On the BART train from the East Bay to the Giants game we passed Oracle Arena and I happen to overhear a conversation between Oracle Arena (OA) and the Golden State Warriors (GSW). It went something like this.
OA: Even after decades of sell outs, I understand you are really leaving me. Is that right?
GSW: Yes, we have been planing this move ever since we bought the team.
OA: Well it has had its great moments so I thought I would give you a farewell gift.
GSW: That is some gift. (A large box wrapped beautifully in San Francisco Bay Blue and Fools Gold)
OA: Open it
GSW: Wow! Recordings of our three straight losses to Toronto in the NBA Championship at Oracle.
OA: Again, where are you moving to?
GSW: San Francisco.
OA: Remember they were broke and had to move to the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum. The Blue Bag City has never been able to support an NBA team.
GSW: There is gold in them hills!
OA: Are you sure? Excuse my French but it looks more like sh_ t!
GSW: I know but the city has promised us it will only be allowed on the south side of the arena plus every person attending a game will be give 25 blue bags to keep the city clean!
Living in California
I forget if I had mentioned in the blog that when I visited San Francisco last year that my car was broken into in the Civic Center garage. It was my carelessness so I took full responsibility. I was told that I was lucky I didn't get a window broken. Then I remember one of my blog members son was living off of Mission Dolores and even kept his glove compartment open and they still broke his windows on a number of occasions.
On May 9, I mailed a check for $1500. from the Post Office Mail Box at the Irvine Murphy Station. A couple weeks later, I received my statement from the BofA that showed that I did not pay this month. I checked with my bank in Irvine and discovered that a check from $1500. had been cashed on the 13th. I contacted the BofA in Florida with his information and looking for them give me credit.
No reply!
Then I received my canceled checks and I thought I would cut out the check and send it to the bank in Florida. Then I discovered the payee has been whited out and the name James Angel Carlin substituted. No bank teller in his or her right mind would have accepted the check. But this was done electronically to the Chase Bank.
I notified the supervisor of the Post Office and she took down the information. She said an inspector may contact you. I have had plenty training in communications in my life and I knew that nothing was going to be done. Why should she put a black mark on her record. Irvine is always voted one the safest cities in the country. No report --- No crime. What Bull Sh_t. They cheat like many others. Stealing mail is a felony and up to three years in jail. That use to be honored now it is laughed at.
You understand the hassle with a new account notifying everybody and then BofA sends me a threatening letter for not making payment. Only been paying them for over ten years. What a way to run a business. Then I remember they were all indoctrinated in our educational system. Then it made sense.
I will receive my $1500 in about 60 days since it was the bank that cashed a forged check. But look who had to do all the work
Comments on our sport teams will follow as soon as I calm down .
I understand through the grapevine that some of you have wondered what has happened to the blog. Nothing! At my age time goes too fast plus I have been busy handling tendon problems in my leg, dermatology treatments and surgeries, working on projects and traveling. My travels have included Newport Beach, Garden Grove, Tustin and the Bay Area to meet old friends, attend a high school reunion lunch and see the Giants in person.
On the BART train from the East Bay to the Giants game we passed Oracle Arena and I happen to overhear a conversation between Oracle Arena (OA) and the Golden State Warriors (GSW). It went something like this.
OA: Even after decades of sell outs, I understand you are really leaving me. Is that right?
GSW: Yes, we have been planing this move ever since we bought the team.
OA: Well it has had its great moments so I thought I would give you a farewell gift.
GSW: That is some gift. (A large box wrapped beautifully in San Francisco Bay Blue and Fools Gold)
OA: Open it
GSW: Wow! Recordings of our three straight losses to Toronto in the NBA Championship at Oracle.
OA: Again, where are you moving to?
GSW: San Francisco.
OA: Remember they were broke and had to move to the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum. The Blue Bag City has never been able to support an NBA team.
GSW: There is gold in them hills!
OA: Are you sure? Excuse my French but it looks more like sh_ t!
GSW: I know but the city has promised us it will only be allowed on the south side of the arena plus every person attending a game will be give 25 blue bags to keep the city clean!
Living in California
I forget if I had mentioned in the blog that when I visited San Francisco last year that my car was broken into in the Civic Center garage. It was my carelessness so I took full responsibility. I was told that I was lucky I didn't get a window broken. Then I remember one of my blog members son was living off of Mission Dolores and even kept his glove compartment open and they still broke his windows on a number of occasions.
On May 9, I mailed a check for $1500. from the Post Office Mail Box at the Irvine Murphy Station. A couple weeks later, I received my statement from the BofA that showed that I did not pay this month. I checked with my bank in Irvine and discovered that a check from $1500. had been cashed on the 13th. I contacted the BofA in Florida with his information and looking for them give me credit.
No reply!
Then I received my canceled checks and I thought I would cut out the check and send it to the bank in Florida. Then I discovered the payee has been whited out and the name James Angel Carlin substituted. No bank teller in his or her right mind would have accepted the check. But this was done electronically to the Chase Bank.
I notified the supervisor of the Post Office and she took down the information. She said an inspector may contact you. I have had plenty training in communications in my life and I knew that nothing was going to be done. Why should she put a black mark on her record. Irvine is always voted one the safest cities in the country. No report --- No crime. What Bull Sh_t. They cheat like many others. Stealing mail is a felony and up to three years in jail. That use to be honored now it is laughed at.
You understand the hassle with a new account notifying everybody and then BofA sends me a threatening letter for not making payment. Only been paying them for over ten years. What a way to run a business. Then I remember they were all indoctrinated in our educational system. Then it made sense.
I will receive my $1500 in about 60 days since it was the bank that cashed a forged check. But look who had to do all the work
Comments on our sport teams will follow as soon as I calm down .
Friday, March 29, 2019
Let the Seasons Begin!
Giants
I know this is late. But I did not know who was playing for the Giants. Wanted to see what some of these new players looked like. Seems the team was looking in the mirror.
My thoughts on some of the players I recognize:
Duggar - the lead off man. Still think his status is overblown. I said this last year and still have not seen much to change my mind.
Panik - Had a tremendous spring. Hope he didn't leave all of his hits in AZ. Went hitless in the opener although hit one ball hard that the shift prevented from being a hit.
Longoria - will hit a few hone runs but don't count on him to get that two out rbi single. Paying him too much money to have Sandoval take over.
Crawford- Great in the field but horrible at the bat. If he could only hit a consistent .260. Last year he hit about .450 in May and June that propelled the Giants into the race that they did not deserve to be in. Hit about .150 after that and Bochy always had him in a key batting position 4th, 5th and 6th which is one of the reason the Giants did not score many runs in the last part of the season.
Posey - His surgery during the season was to help him become a power hitter again. Has not happened. They really need him to be a threat for 20 home runs. Still may happen but it will take awhile.
Generally speaking none of the additions have impressed me but it really is too early to make an opinion. Hell, I don't even know their names!
Pitchers
Bumgarner - Considering that KC belted him in the last spring game, he pitched a very good game in the opener but when a team can't score you can't win.
Holland - I guess he is the number 2 starter. He needs 4 or 5 runs to win.
Samardzija - After watching him in his last spring game, the Giants are kidding themselves.
Rodriguez - Will always give you a good start.
Pomeranz - Your guess is as good as mine.
Relievers look pretty solid but Melancon salary is the only reason he is still around.
It will be cheaper for the Giants to buy their own Greyhound bus for all the round trips the players will make between SF and Sacramento this year.
It's a long season so there is still hope a few young players will develop which looks like it is the major goal of the team this season.
The Warriors
The 6 month 16 team NBA elimination tournament is about over and the season is about to begin. Still a few games to go but it looks like the Warriors will be healthy. It takes 16 wins to be NBA champs. A couple years ago the Warriors only needed 17 games to win 16. That won't be the case this year. It will be tough for the Warriors and any other team to win it.
The Warriors need to remain healthy and if Thompson can be on his game there is not an NBA team that can beat the California team in a 7 game series.
The 49ers
They now have signed four running backs. The way the Niners backs get hurt they will need 10 to complete the season. If they only have four, they will searching the waiver wire before the first pre-season game.
NCAA Bracket
My exposure to college basketball this season inlcuded seeing one half of the Gonzaga - USF basketball game on television. Any game I might have wanted to see was on the Pac12 network which I do not get so I had very little interest.
In my bracket I won 37 of the first 48 games and had 12 teams in the sweet 16. My final four included Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina and Tennessee with the Wolverines beating the Tar Heels in the final game. If my wife Barbara a Michigan State grad was still alive, I would have never gotten away with picking Michigan and probably would have taken the team from East Lansing.
Home Runs
The Dodgers hit 8 home runs in their first game. Your choice - Over or Under the Giants will hit 7.5 home runs in April
The White Elephant
Is the new Chase Arena a white elephant with the New Green Deal that would have eliminate plane flights in 12 years? Since then, the Democratic socialist candidates for President all endorsed the New Green Plan until it came up for a vote in the Senate when none of them voted for it. Guess they figured what they have planed would have eliminated the Armed Forces, baseball, the NBA, the states California and Texas whose land would have been needed to develop Solar farms. One plan out of UC Davis would have permitted two air flights in a lifetime if you had a good enough reason. The problem the Warriors will face is not the Green New Deal but filling those seats after the first two years. The team will be older, the price steep and remember that San Francisco has never successfully supported an NBA team.
I know this is late. But I did not know who was playing for the Giants. Wanted to see what some of these new players looked like. Seems the team was looking in the mirror.
My thoughts on some of the players I recognize:
Duggar - the lead off man. Still think his status is overblown. I said this last year and still have not seen much to change my mind.
Panik - Had a tremendous spring. Hope he didn't leave all of his hits in AZ. Went hitless in the opener although hit one ball hard that the shift prevented from being a hit.
Longoria - will hit a few hone runs but don't count on him to get that two out rbi single. Paying him too much money to have Sandoval take over.
Crawford- Great in the field but horrible at the bat. If he could only hit a consistent .260. Last year he hit about .450 in May and June that propelled the Giants into the race that they did not deserve to be in. Hit about .150 after that and Bochy always had him in a key batting position 4th, 5th and 6th which is one of the reason the Giants did not score many runs in the last part of the season.
Posey - His surgery during the season was to help him become a power hitter again. Has not happened. They really need him to be a threat for 20 home runs. Still may happen but it will take awhile.
Generally speaking none of the additions have impressed me but it really is too early to make an opinion. Hell, I don't even know their names!
Pitchers
Bumgarner - Considering that KC belted him in the last spring game, he pitched a very good game in the opener but when a team can't score you can't win.
Holland - I guess he is the number 2 starter. He needs 4 or 5 runs to win.
Samardzija - After watching him in his last spring game, the Giants are kidding themselves.
Rodriguez - Will always give you a good start.
Pomeranz - Your guess is as good as mine.
Relievers look pretty solid but Melancon salary is the only reason he is still around.
It will be cheaper for the Giants to buy their own Greyhound bus for all the round trips the players will make between SF and Sacramento this year.
It's a long season so there is still hope a few young players will develop which looks like it is the major goal of the team this season.
The Warriors
The 6 month 16 team NBA elimination tournament is about over and the season is about to begin. Still a few games to go but it looks like the Warriors will be healthy. It takes 16 wins to be NBA champs. A couple years ago the Warriors only needed 17 games to win 16. That won't be the case this year. It will be tough for the Warriors and any other team to win it.
The Warriors need to remain healthy and if Thompson can be on his game there is not an NBA team that can beat the California team in a 7 game series.
The 49ers
They now have signed four running backs. The way the Niners backs get hurt they will need 10 to complete the season. If they only have four, they will searching the waiver wire before the first pre-season game.
NCAA Bracket
My exposure to college basketball this season inlcuded seeing one half of the Gonzaga - USF basketball game on television. Any game I might have wanted to see was on the Pac12 network which I do not get so I had very little interest.
In my bracket I won 37 of the first 48 games and had 12 teams in the sweet 16. My final four included Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina and Tennessee with the Wolverines beating the Tar Heels in the final game. If my wife Barbara a Michigan State grad was still alive, I would have never gotten away with picking Michigan and probably would have taken the team from East Lansing.
Home Runs
The Dodgers hit 8 home runs in their first game. Your choice - Over or Under the Giants will hit 7.5 home runs in April
The White Elephant
Is the new Chase Arena a white elephant with the New Green Deal that would have eliminate plane flights in 12 years? Since then, the Democratic socialist candidates for President all endorsed the New Green Plan until it came up for a vote in the Senate when none of them voted for it. Guess they figured what they have planed would have eliminated the Armed Forces, baseball, the NBA, the states California and Texas whose land would have been needed to develop Solar farms. One plan out of UC Davis would have permitted two air flights in a lifetime if you had a good enough reason. The problem the Warriors will face is not the Green New Deal but filling those seats after the first two years. The team will be older, the price steep and remember that San Francisco has never successfully supported an NBA team.
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Did the Giants Save Baseball?
Giants
It's Winter baseball in Arizona and the rain continues to fall. If you read the press and believe them the Giants have been very busy signing a number of players in order to bolster their weak roster.
This will be a different spring for the Giants. Most training camps the team had one or two openings. This years Giants is wide open because there is a different evaluator.
Some of my early thoughts follow:
I believe the pitching is at least okay because of the numbers.
Can Aramis Garcia continue to perform like he did last September behind the plate? I look for Stephen Vogt the ex-Oarkland A to make the team as the back up catcher.
The infield is back. In some years it has been great in other years injuries have taken their toll. The big question is third base. I still believe Longoria is a waste at third. An opening for Sandoval at third at least against right handers. I am really anxious to see Ryder Jones at third. He got hurt last fall but he looked a lot better to me at the plate. Panik should handle second but there is talent at that position on the roster.
Anyone who follows the Giants knows that the outfield is wide open. Steven Duggar is scheduled for center field. He has been built up by the Giants for a couple of years. But so many Giants build ups have flopped so who can believe them? I thought he was a .240 hitter when he came up but he started to get some key hits in games as he got experience so he could make it. His injury last fall was a big blow. They were very smart to sign Cameron Maybin
I am happy to see MacWillimson given a chance. He almost killed himself going after a lousy foul ball over bull pen in left. I hope Bochy tells him to let fouls over that bullpen drop. Not worth a season for one out. His new hitting stance will be given every opportunity to win a spot.
Gerardo Parra will make the roster and most likely start.
It should be a very interesting few weeks in Arizona.
Is Baseball Over?
As far as I know being in southern California the press did not cover the big baseball story. It is well known that the Giants are big backers of Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic party like most people in the Bay Area. When the Green Plan came out backed by every Democratic candidate for President, it was never mentioned that it would end major league baseball. It is simple no planes no schedule. I would believe that Larry Baer was on the phone to Washington asking what the hell are you promoting? Are you going to put us out of business? Did any of the Bay Area writers ask Baer about this? They are probably too liberal to even want to ask the question. I don't think they are stupid but come to think of it, they are products off our educational system. That's why you should read this blog.
It also will be the end of the NBA that cannot exist without planes. Where is Steve Kerr's opinion and how about Curry and the Spurs coach Popovich. There silence is deafening. In other words they are phony's.
The Future
As I told my granddaughter at the U of Arizona, I just hope you get out of school not being a socialist which is pretty hard to do today. How about a student at Long Beach State who discovers he doesn't have to pay off his student loan and he can surf everyday and government will take care of him for life. As a college professor said on national television last week, we don't teach critical thinking skills. In other words, the kids are brain washed. I feel for parents many of whom risk their retirement.
The NBA
The All Star weekend just ended. I could not even watch most of the pick-up game. The players in the slam-dunk contest kept trying to excite the crowd without much success. One player got 33 points for missing six dunks in a row. I thought the purpose of the game was to put the ball in basket. The three point contest looked just like a regular game.
Now We Know
Just about everyone thought that Governor Brown was crazy with his billion dollar train. Well he was just ahead of the game since he knew there were plans to eliminate planes in ten years. California would lead the nation again. Obviously Newsom does not have the vision of his predecessor.
We now know why Farhan Zaidi, the Giants head baseball man never had an opportunity to hire his manager. He knew that this would be Bochy's last year. A nice way to retire. Bochy knew how to manage the modern baseball player.
Bryce Harper
Who is he going to sign with? The Giants have plenty of .240 hitting outfielders. He hit 24 home runs last year which translate to about 18 at Oracle. It would be a waste of money.
It's Winter baseball in Arizona and the rain continues to fall. If you read the press and believe them the Giants have been very busy signing a number of players in order to bolster their weak roster.
This will be a different spring for the Giants. Most training camps the team had one or two openings. This years Giants is wide open because there is a different evaluator.
Some of my early thoughts follow:
I believe the pitching is at least okay because of the numbers.
Can Aramis Garcia continue to perform like he did last September behind the plate? I look for Stephen Vogt the ex-Oarkland A to make the team as the back up catcher.
The infield is back. In some years it has been great in other years injuries have taken their toll. The big question is third base. I still believe Longoria is a waste at third. An opening for Sandoval at third at least against right handers. I am really anxious to see Ryder Jones at third. He got hurt last fall but he looked a lot better to me at the plate. Panik should handle second but there is talent at that position on the roster.
Anyone who follows the Giants knows that the outfield is wide open. Steven Duggar is scheduled for center field. He has been built up by the Giants for a couple of years. But so many Giants build ups have flopped so who can believe them? I thought he was a .240 hitter when he came up but he started to get some key hits in games as he got experience so he could make it. His injury last fall was a big blow. They were very smart to sign Cameron Maybin
I am happy to see MacWillimson given a chance. He almost killed himself going after a lousy foul ball over bull pen in left. I hope Bochy tells him to let fouls over that bullpen drop. Not worth a season for one out. His new hitting stance will be given every opportunity to win a spot.
Gerardo Parra will make the roster and most likely start.
It should be a very interesting few weeks in Arizona.
Is Baseball Over?
As far as I know being in southern California the press did not cover the big baseball story. It is well known that the Giants are big backers of Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic party like most people in the Bay Area. When the Green Plan came out backed by every Democratic candidate for President, it was never mentioned that it would end major league baseball. It is simple no planes no schedule. I would believe that Larry Baer was on the phone to Washington asking what the hell are you promoting? Are you going to put us out of business? Did any of the Bay Area writers ask Baer about this? They are probably too liberal to even want to ask the question. I don't think they are stupid but come to think of it, they are products off our educational system. That's why you should read this blog.
It also will be the end of the NBA that cannot exist without planes. Where is Steve Kerr's opinion and how about Curry and the Spurs coach Popovich. There silence is deafening. In other words they are phony's.
The Future
As I told my granddaughter at the U of Arizona, I just hope you get out of school not being a socialist which is pretty hard to do today. How about a student at Long Beach State who discovers he doesn't have to pay off his student loan and he can surf everyday and government will take care of him for life. As a college professor said on national television last week, we don't teach critical thinking skills. In other words, the kids are brain washed. I feel for parents many of whom risk their retirement.
The NBA
The All Star weekend just ended. I could not even watch most of the pick-up game. The players in the slam-dunk contest kept trying to excite the crowd without much success. One player got 33 points for missing six dunks in a row. I thought the purpose of the game was to put the ball in basket. The three point contest looked just like a regular game.
Now We Know
Just about everyone thought that Governor Brown was crazy with his billion dollar train. Well he was just ahead of the game since he knew there were plans to eliminate planes in ten years. California would lead the nation again. Obviously Newsom does not have the vision of his predecessor.
We now know why Farhan Zaidi, the Giants head baseball man never had an opportunity to hire his manager. He knew that this would be Bochy's last year. A nice way to retire. Bochy knew how to manage the modern baseball player.
Bryce Harper
Who is he going to sign with? The Giants have plenty of .240 hitting outfielders. He hit 24 home runs last year which translate to about 18 at Oracle. It would be a waste of money.
Monday, February 4, 2019
The Super Bowl Was Stupid!
Super Bowl
Although I picked the Rams to win the outcome of the game was not as surprising as the game itself.
It looked more like a Stupid Bowl than the Super Bowl. There is no doubt it would not have taken much effort for the losers in the Conference championship games, the Chiefs and Saints to have played a more exciting game. If you are one of those all out NFL fans and for some reason have missed the annual Hall of Fame games each year and wonder about the game, the 2019 Super Bowl was a replay of most Hall of Fame games.
There are many awards given at the end of this game. Every week the winning team gives the game ball to one of their players for their outstanding contribution. This game, I would have given the ball to the Defensive Coordinator of the Patriots. With an extra week to prepare, he knew everything the Rams were going to do, when they were going to do it and how to stop them.
Losing a Super Bowl game is not a step to winning in the future. In the 1972 game the Cowboys beat Dolphins after losing to the Colts the year prior and then the following year 1973 Dolphins beat the Redskins to claim the Lombardi trophy. The Patriots winning in 2019 was the first team to have lost the year prior to win the big game in 46 years. In checking the history of the Super Bowl scores published by unknown, the nick name of the team is used in every case except the Redskins. At least I am consistent.
The decline of the teams is usually gradual like the Rams who will most likely lose the Conference Championship game next year, then maybe make it as a wild card in the third year. Those who have read this blog know how upset I was when the Niners lost 2013 game because I knew from history that the collapse was coming as proven.
After watching some the commercials I asked myself, What are they selling? And the half-time show, when I see all those kids jumping up and down in front of the stage, I say to myself, isn't that getting old? Know its my age and a generation gap but so what!
Although I picked the Rams to win the outcome of the game was not as surprising as the game itself.
It looked more like a Stupid Bowl than the Super Bowl. There is no doubt it would not have taken much effort for the losers in the Conference championship games, the Chiefs and Saints to have played a more exciting game. If you are one of those all out NFL fans and for some reason have missed the annual Hall of Fame games each year and wonder about the game, the 2019 Super Bowl was a replay of most Hall of Fame games.
There are many awards given at the end of this game. Every week the winning team gives the game ball to one of their players for their outstanding contribution. This game, I would have given the ball to the Defensive Coordinator of the Patriots. With an extra week to prepare, he knew everything the Rams were going to do, when they were going to do it and how to stop them.
Losing a Super Bowl game is not a step to winning in the future. In the 1972 game the Cowboys beat Dolphins after losing to the Colts the year prior and then the following year 1973 Dolphins beat the Redskins to claim the Lombardi trophy. The Patriots winning in 2019 was the first team to have lost the year prior to win the big game in 46 years. In checking the history of the Super Bowl scores published by unknown, the nick name of the team is used in every case except the Redskins. At least I am consistent.
The decline of the teams is usually gradual like the Rams who will most likely lose the Conference Championship game next year, then maybe make it as a wild card in the third year. Those who have read this blog know how upset I was when the Niners lost 2013 game because I knew from history that the collapse was coming as proven.
After watching some the commercials I asked myself, What are they selling? And the half-time show, when I see all those kids jumping up and down in front of the stage, I say to myself, isn't that getting old? Know its my age and a generation gap but so what!
Friday, February 1, 2019
The Super Bowl
The Super Bowl
A couple of weeks ago I emailed a few friends informing them that the Rams would beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl. That was my prediction and it very possible it could be right on the money. Too bad I wasn't in Vegas.
There are literally hundreds of NFL fans especially those living along the Mississippi who believe the Saints should be in the big game. The reason being the blown pass interference call. Can anyone describe to me pass interference? The big 'cop out' call in recent years has been holding before the ball was thrown. Five yards and an automatic first down. The replay is shown and some times it looks like the defense back actually touched the receiver.
Then on a long pass, the replay will show the receiver and defensive back practically wrestling as the ball is the air and many times there is no call. Hard to explain but of course this is the league that has a hard time defining a completed forward pass. What did we ever do before replay? Oh I remember, if the ball didn't touch the ground it was a completed pass. Sounds reasonable. But now you need to have complete control of the ball. You have heard announcers looking at a replay and saying from this angle it looks like his little finger moved. The call of a completed pass might be over turned. More Fans are beginning to accept the fact what we have mentioned for a couple years, that the league is run by a lot of stupid millionaires with law degrees.
The lesson being --- Be smart enough to get in-law school then when you have earned your law degree you will be dumb enough to make a million.
Regardless the Stupid Bowl will be played Sunday!
The Warriors
The Warriors have certainly rebounded. Lots of reasons for their recent surge but one has to be the return of the hot shooting Clay Thompson. Once he started to drill most of his shots the Warriors began rolling. Let's hope then they haven't peaked too soon and they can remain relatively injury free until the season really begins some time before summer.
One of our blog members relayed me that he thought that Curry telling the media that he believed that we didn't land on the moon would be big news. It was for a few hours but it was quickly yanked. Curry is well like so it was easy to do. I can just hear Curry's agent calling him and saying,"What the hell are you doing?" Say it was a joke and I will get the message out. Curry is a great person and basketball player but he can be talked into saying almost anything. Remember he said it was perfectly okay for boys to enter the same bathroom as his daughter. His agent should tell him to quit listening to CNN.
NBA
The old man injury bug has hit the Lakers with James being out for a number of weeks. It has hurt plenty for if the season ended today the Lakers would not be in the playoffs. So James is back! Too soon?
Winter Training
With the Super Bowl this Sunday, Winter Training for major league baseball will start about 10 days later with the regular season beginning at the start of spring. The Giants will not be a contender!
TV News
I was happy to see that the Giants signed Dave Fleming to continue broadcasting at least 140 games a year for the next few years. I am sure they have him in mind to be the lead announcer when John Miller finally hangs it up
The 5pm show on NBC Sports Bay Area "Happy Hour" got yanked. Maybe it was too much Warrior news. I had commented before with the coverage the NBA got on that channel, who needed the NBA network? The commentators were very liberal and political in their opinions and let everybody know how right they were. But that's the Bay Area so that probably wasn't the reason. Competition with Tucker Carlson a local boy on Fox News could have contributed to low ratings. Even though I didn't always agree with their comments I enjoyed the show.
A couple of weeks ago I emailed a few friends informing them that the Rams would beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl. That was my prediction and it very possible it could be right on the money. Too bad I wasn't in Vegas.
There are literally hundreds of NFL fans especially those living along the Mississippi who believe the Saints should be in the big game. The reason being the blown pass interference call. Can anyone describe to me pass interference? The big 'cop out' call in recent years has been holding before the ball was thrown. Five yards and an automatic first down. The replay is shown and some times it looks like the defense back actually touched the receiver.
Then on a long pass, the replay will show the receiver and defensive back practically wrestling as the ball is the air and many times there is no call. Hard to explain but of course this is the league that has a hard time defining a completed forward pass. What did we ever do before replay? Oh I remember, if the ball didn't touch the ground it was a completed pass. Sounds reasonable. But now you need to have complete control of the ball. You have heard announcers looking at a replay and saying from this angle it looks like his little finger moved. The call of a completed pass might be over turned. More Fans are beginning to accept the fact what we have mentioned for a couple years, that the league is run by a lot of stupid millionaires with law degrees.
The lesson being --- Be smart enough to get in-law school then when you have earned your law degree you will be dumb enough to make a million.
Regardless the Stupid Bowl will be played Sunday!
The Warriors
The Warriors have certainly rebounded. Lots of reasons for their recent surge but one has to be the return of the hot shooting Clay Thompson. Once he started to drill most of his shots the Warriors began rolling. Let's hope then they haven't peaked too soon and they can remain relatively injury free until the season really begins some time before summer.
One of our blog members relayed me that he thought that Curry telling the media that he believed that we didn't land on the moon would be big news. It was for a few hours but it was quickly yanked. Curry is well like so it was easy to do. I can just hear Curry's agent calling him and saying,"What the hell are you doing?" Say it was a joke and I will get the message out. Curry is a great person and basketball player but he can be talked into saying almost anything. Remember he said it was perfectly okay for boys to enter the same bathroom as his daughter. His agent should tell him to quit listening to CNN.
NBA
The old man injury bug has hit the Lakers with James being out for a number of weeks. It has hurt plenty for if the season ended today the Lakers would not be in the playoffs. So James is back! Too soon?
Winter Training
With the Super Bowl this Sunday, Winter Training for major league baseball will start about 10 days later with the regular season beginning at the start of spring. The Giants will not be a contender!
TV News
I was happy to see that the Giants signed Dave Fleming to continue broadcasting at least 140 games a year for the next few years. I am sure they have him in mind to be the lead announcer when John Miller finally hangs it up
The 5pm show on NBC Sports Bay Area "Happy Hour" got yanked. Maybe it was too much Warrior news. I had commented before with the coverage the NBA got on that channel, who needed the NBA network? The commentators were very liberal and political in their opinions and let everybody know how right they were. But that's the Bay Area so that probably wasn't the reason. Competition with Tucker Carlson a local boy on Fox News could have contributed to low ratings. Even though I didn't always agree with their comments I enjoyed the show.
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
Rejected
Giants
Those that had an idea that I would become the new General Manager of the Giants are going to be disappointed. I had a preview interview for the job in the library at the Gordon Getty Manson in December. The interview was very cordial but in the end he did not say that he would recommend me to Farhan Zaidi head of baseball operations to interview me. The handwriting was on the wall.
Larry liked the idea that I didn't think Bochy gave the Home Run signal enough.
I also told him I am not a great believer in platooning like the new Director of Baseball Operations Zaidi. I explained to Larry that if a Giant left hand batter had 3 hits in a game and he came up in the 8th inning in a crucial situation. The opponents brought in a left hander, I would not pinch hit. I believe in going with the hot bat. Now, if the batter had 0-3 and a coupled of strike outs I would pinch hit a right hand batter.
I also told Larry the truth and that was not what he wanted to hear. I said to knock out triple valley and convert that right centerfield into the bullpen. I understand that the Giants do not want to change anything about their award winning stadium. The game has changed. Besides because of the heavy cold air at the stadium, it's never going to be an easy park to hit a home run .
We did socialize for awhile and he was very envious of me when I told him that the first major league game I saw was the Giants and the Dodgers at the Polo Grounds in April of 1954 the year the Orange and Black won the World Series. He told me he only wished he could have seen a game there.
I wished the Giants luck this year and he gave his card and told me to contact him when I am in 'the city'.
Larry may never have attended a game at the Polo Grounds in New York but he saw plenty of them at Candlestick Park. I received a Crouix of Candlestick 't' shirt for Christmas. Once the Giants discovered they could not fool the fans about the weather at the 'the stick', they began giving the crouix away to fans who stayed to the end of extra inning games. I can't believed we have a few of those orange buttons still laying around the house. I guess I was crazy in those days. Pictured with me at the left is my granddaughter Emi without an U of Arizona shirt on for the first time in a year. She made 1st string All Pac-12 Freshman Soccer and second team NCAA. Like me, she doesn't understand how she was chosen since the coach kept her under wraps. I am not a soccer expert at all but it seems to me they played 'not to lose' so when they played a powerhouse like Stanford they only lost 2-0.
The 49ers
The Ram game was a disaster to end a disasterous season.
The Warriors
I am getting tired of hearing"Well that's the NBA" after the Warriors get routed on Christmas Day or lose an overtime game to Portland. Warrior fans were spoiled a few years ago when 'The City' won all the big TV games and most of what was considered important games. It's not the same for 'The Town'.
The Warriors did defeat Portland in Portland in a game that showed signs of how they can win. Everybody participates and their passes our crisp, fast and sharp. It makes a difference. Thompson was allowed that extra second that made all the difference in his shot. There are going to be games in which Durant, Curry or Thompson are going to lead. But that only wins games. To win a championship, everybody needs to participate. If they do that like they have in the past, and Cousins gives them a different look they will have a good chance of repeating as NBA champions.
The Monday Night Pool
Some of our blog members have told me that they play the Monday Night Football Pool that we announce every year. I have played it for about 15 years or so and always end up around the middle, sometimes a little above other years below. I do the usual NFL review. I only concentrate on those teams that will be playing on Monday night. I check their local papers regularly on the internet, purchase Pro Football magazines, watch the replay of their pre seasons games on the the NFL channel, listen to experts on the NFL network and ESPN, review their predictions and then make my picks. The results have been disappointing to say the least.
This year I decided to try what I call the Kitchen Bowl approach. I fold a 'post it' in half and write the name of each team playing on Monday night on one of the papers. The first game this years was the Jets against the Lions. So I would put the name of the Jets and Lions in the bowl and without looking and pick out a team. I would do this for all 17 games listing the team chosen on the Football Pool form. Then I would number 17 'post it' papers 1 -17 and put them into the bowl. I would start down the list and pick out one paper for each game. In this example I picked 3 for the Jets. If the Jets win I would get 3 points. Most players give 17 points to the team they think is almost a chinch to win down to 1 for a game they are only guessing. A perfect total would be 153 points.
Well the 2018 results are in and I had 130 points good enough for 5th place. The winner had 134 points and I believe won something like $1500. For 5th place I was awarded a check for $125. Thank you Oakland for beating the Broncos in that last game.
College Football
It's Clemson and Alabama. What else is new? I just wonder if there is anyway the game can be a sell out. Only a very large contingent of fans from the South will make a sell out possible. The Bay Area is the 'hot bed' for many activities but not college football. Flights from Atlanta to the Bay Area are almost impossible with many choosing to fly to Las Vegas, Chicago, Kansas City, Denver and other places and then catching a flight to the Bay Area. Even Amtrack has added an extra car to their train and planes are being moved from their grave in Arizona for this one day and Greyhound sales are up. Suites that normally go for $50,000 have been priced as low as $10,000.
The Pac 12 actually won a couple of games this bowl season but they were not very impressive. The Stanford - Pitt game had a play that was hard to believe. Stanford was on about the 2 yard line, and the qb faked a handoff to a back going through the middle. The qb then got hit and the ball few out of his hands directly into the running back hands who was standing in the end zone for a td. It was a forward fumble but looked like a shovel pass.
This reminded me of the "forward fumble" play made famous by Slip Madigan coach of the St. Mary's College Galloping Gaels from 1921-1939 My father told me about this play many times when I was very young. The only difference is St. Mary's would plan the fumble while for Stanford it was an accident.
In 1920 the University of California defeated St. Mary's 127-0 and that was before the two point conversion. Madigan took over as coach in 1921 to start the rebuilding process. He coached the Gaels for 19 years with a record of 117-45-12. It was not unusual to see the Gaels beat UCLA, USC, Cal and Stanford when they met. In 1938 St. Mary's defeated Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl. One might say that the Gaels were the 'hot bed' of Bay Area football.
Happy New Year!
Those that had an idea that I would become the new General Manager of the Giants are going to be disappointed. I had a preview interview for the job in the library at the Gordon Getty Manson in December. The interview was very cordial but in the end he did not say that he would recommend me to Farhan Zaidi head of baseball operations to interview me. The handwriting was on the wall.
 |
| Homer with Larry Baer |
Larry liked the idea that I didn't think Bochy gave the Home Run signal enough.
I also told him I am not a great believer in platooning like the new Director of Baseball Operations Zaidi. I explained to Larry that if a Giant left hand batter had 3 hits in a game and he came up in the 8th inning in a crucial situation. The opponents brought in a left hander, I would not pinch hit. I believe in going with the hot bat. Now, if the batter had 0-3 and a coupled of strike outs I would pinch hit a right hand batter.
I also told Larry the truth and that was not what he wanted to hear. I said to knock out triple valley and convert that right centerfield into the bullpen. I understand that the Giants do not want to change anything about their award winning stadium. The game has changed. Besides because of the heavy cold air at the stadium, it's never going to be an easy park to hit a home run .
 |
| Homer with Granddaughter Emi |
I wished the Giants luck this year and he gave his card and told me to contact him when I am in 'the city'.
Larry may never have attended a game at the Polo Grounds in New York but he saw plenty of them at Candlestick Park. I received a Crouix of Candlestick 't' shirt for Christmas. Once the Giants discovered they could not fool the fans about the weather at the 'the stick', they began giving the crouix away to fans who stayed to the end of extra inning games. I can't believed we have a few of those orange buttons still laying around the house. I guess I was crazy in those days. Pictured with me at the left is my granddaughter Emi without an U of Arizona shirt on for the first time in a year. She made 1st string All Pac-12 Freshman Soccer and second team NCAA. Like me, she doesn't understand how she was chosen since the coach kept her under wraps. I am not a soccer expert at all but it seems to me they played 'not to lose' so when they played a powerhouse like Stanford they only lost 2-0.
The 49ers
The Ram game was a disaster to end a disasterous season.
The Warriors
I am getting tired of hearing"Well that's the NBA" after the Warriors get routed on Christmas Day or lose an overtime game to Portland. Warrior fans were spoiled a few years ago when 'The City' won all the big TV games and most of what was considered important games. It's not the same for 'The Town'.
The Warriors did defeat Portland in Portland in a game that showed signs of how they can win. Everybody participates and their passes our crisp, fast and sharp. It makes a difference. Thompson was allowed that extra second that made all the difference in his shot. There are going to be games in which Durant, Curry or Thompson are going to lead. But that only wins games. To win a championship, everybody needs to participate. If they do that like they have in the past, and Cousins gives them a different look they will have a good chance of repeating as NBA champions.
The Monday Night Pool
Some of our blog members have told me that they play the Monday Night Football Pool that we announce every year. I have played it for about 15 years or so and always end up around the middle, sometimes a little above other years below. I do the usual NFL review. I only concentrate on those teams that will be playing on Monday night. I check their local papers regularly on the internet, purchase Pro Football magazines, watch the replay of their pre seasons games on the the NFL channel, listen to experts on the NFL network and ESPN, review their predictions and then make my picks. The results have been disappointing to say the least.
This year I decided to try what I call the Kitchen Bowl approach. I fold a 'post it' in half and write the name of each team playing on Monday night on one of the papers. The first game this years was the Jets against the Lions. So I would put the name of the Jets and Lions in the bowl and without looking and pick out a team. I would do this for all 17 games listing the team chosen on the Football Pool form. Then I would number 17 'post it' papers 1 -17 and put them into the bowl. I would start down the list and pick out one paper for each game. In this example I picked 3 for the Jets. If the Jets win I would get 3 points. Most players give 17 points to the team they think is almost a chinch to win down to 1 for a game they are only guessing. A perfect total would be 153 points.
Well the 2018 results are in and I had 130 points good enough for 5th place. The winner had 134 points and I believe won something like $1500. For 5th place I was awarded a check for $125. Thank you Oakland for beating the Broncos in that last game.
College Football
It's Clemson and Alabama. What else is new? I just wonder if there is anyway the game can be a sell out. Only a very large contingent of fans from the South will make a sell out possible. The Bay Area is the 'hot bed' for many activities but not college football. Flights from Atlanta to the Bay Area are almost impossible with many choosing to fly to Las Vegas, Chicago, Kansas City, Denver and other places and then catching a flight to the Bay Area. Even Amtrack has added an extra car to their train and planes are being moved from their grave in Arizona for this one day and Greyhound sales are up. Suites that normally go for $50,000 have been priced as low as $10,000.
The Pac 12 actually won a couple of games this bowl season but they were not very impressive. The Stanford - Pitt game had a play that was hard to believe. Stanford was on about the 2 yard line, and the qb faked a handoff to a back going through the middle. The qb then got hit and the ball few out of his hands directly into the running back hands who was standing in the end zone for a td. It was a forward fumble but looked like a shovel pass.
This reminded me of the "forward fumble" play made famous by Slip Madigan coach of the St. Mary's College Galloping Gaels from 1921-1939 My father told me about this play many times when I was very young. The only difference is St. Mary's would plan the fumble while for Stanford it was an accident.
In 1920 the University of California defeated St. Mary's 127-0 and that was before the two point conversion. Madigan took over as coach in 1921 to start the rebuilding process. He coached the Gaels for 19 years with a record of 117-45-12. It was not unusual to see the Gaels beat UCLA, USC, Cal and Stanford when they met. In 1938 St. Mary's defeated Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl. One might say that the Gaels were the 'hot bed' of Bay Area football.
Happy New Year!
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