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.
