It's a No-No!

Congrats Tim Lincecum! The San Francisco Giants Ace becomes the 15^th pitcher in Franchise history to throw a no-hitter! Going in to last night’s game, the 29-year-old 5’11” phenom was a shadow of his known pitching prowess with a 4-9 losing record and an ERA that has blown up closer to 5.0, than 4.0 (floating back and forth between 4.6 and 4.9). The ‘David’ figure of the San Francisco Giants pitching staff has won 2 Cy Young Awards, and was assumed by fans and sports analysts to have a higher statistical chance of pitching a No-Hit wonder well before former teammate Johnny Sanchez, or fellow “Horse” Starter, Matt Cain (who threw a Perfect Game last year at AT&T Park, 1^st in Franchise history).  Many have speculated Tim may be going through adjustment challenges, realizing he no longer has his fast ball, or deceiving moving slider to lean back on that gave him early success against opposing batters.  Last night’s No Hitter was the best confidence booster a pitcher can experience to encourage future outings, and an ultimate performance confirmation that his ‘stuff’ is legit! Tim’s outing was perfect timing to quiet critics openly divulging Lincecum's days as an effective ‘Ace’ starting pitcher were behind him. With a diminishing fastball dipping downward to a maximum velocity of 89, 90 miles per hour on average, Lincecum realized he needed to add a variety of pitches (curve ball, change up, splitter), along with consistent placement across the plate, in order to retain success in a Major League starting rotation. Thanks to a Hall of Fame caliber pitching Coach in Dave Righetti, and an MVP Catcher wiser than his years Buster Posey, pumped "The Freak" with a pitch selection they knew he could serve up effectively. Now that Lincecum has the performance to confirm his ability... Warning: tread lightly dear Goliaths… The Freak may have been rattled and rising once more.

A No-No, is a No-No.... Regardless of the MLB team on the receiving end. I do believe San Francisco may have San Diego's number, though. This is the 2nd No hitter thrown against the Padres in 4 years! Slingin' Johnny Sanchez threw one at AT&T Park versus San Diego July 12, 2009. Crazier statistic is Tim being the losing pitcher when a No-No was thrown by Cincinnati's Reds Pitcher Homer Bailey against San Francisco. Two weeks later... San Francisco Giants fans were blessed at a near perfect performance by the 2-time Cy Young recipient. This is a Season changing moment San Francisco needs. As I stated in a tweet when San Francisco beat San Diego on Friday night, "Padres couldn't have appeared at a better time on San Francisco’s 162 game Schedule!" I look forward to seeing what "The Freak" and the Giants can bring for the 68 game stretch in the 2nd half! San Francisco has potential and proven tools to climb back in the NL West race!

Enjoy this amazing moment between players and coaches of a team that obviously admires and respects one another, as well as  proud of everyone’s contributions and achievements! (Watch the video) http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1703285-tim-lincecum-throws-no-hitter-vs-san-diego-padres

The ‘Puig’ Effect

If you’re any level of a baseball fan, and have not heard of  Yasiel Puig, you’re either on a research sabbatical in the Antarctic, or literally living under a rock.  In 30 days, Puig has not only revitalized San Francisco’s number one nemesis (Damn Dirty Dodgers!), he may be single handedly changing the future landscape of baseball.  In 30 days, this  Cuban Rookie has single-handedly increased MLB’s dropping fan base and interest with heart stopping offensive prowess and gutsy outfield grabs filling up highlight reels across North America.  In  30 days,  this twenty-something Cuban has wracked up 8 home runs,  19 RBIs, a .467 on base percentage, and a .407 batting average. He wracked up 27 hits in his first 18 games. MLB hasn’t seen such numbers since the likes of Joe DiMaggio when he made his New York Yankees debut. Puig had a .313 Batting average, and 37 RBIs within 40 games in AA Baseball with Los Angeles Dodgers Chattanooga Club.  Puig was batting .526 in Spring Training, and was assumed he would make the 25 man roster with the Dodgers Breaking North at the end of March.  More important, he is revitalizing interest in baseball with young  American male athletes not seen in decades.

 

Although I am a staunch Dodger hater (yes… I said that word), I cannot deny greatness. I cannot deny an athlete that has sparked new life back into a Rivalry that has survived over a Century and moves by both franchises turning the frigid Atlantic Coastline in for the warmer Golden Shores of the Pacific Ocean off California.  Yasiel Puig is a smashing All Star. Yes, I said “All Star”.  NL All Star Manager Bruce Bochy was smart to place Puig on the popular ballot to be the last All Star placed on the National League squad voted by the public. Unfortunately, I feel a biased journalism, and broadcast sports analysts campaign literally smeared any chance of him being voted in. There was significant back lash from baseball purists stating “Puig hasn’t earned” it as a player to be considered an All Star. In my humble opinion, I have to disagree.   How can you say he hasn’t earned it? He’s worked majority of his life in Cuba becoming one of the most promising Cuban prospects by 2010.  He has statistics that leap off the page regardless of the team roster Puig filled in Cuba, or MLB’s minor leagues.

All Star to me, means outstanding performance among your peers where a player in his position statistically outshines the competition holding the same position. Of  course, we all know having fans  cast votes of the starters who make up each opposing roster, it can become somewhat of a ‘popularity’ contest, versus actual All Star performances.  I mean, Derek Jeter has just come back from injury this past week, and I believe was voted in as the AL Short Stop.  Luckily, the AL manager will substitute a performing “All Star” for Jeter, who has returned to the injury list.  Yasiel Puig is an All Star. He has paid dues through the Cuban Leagues,  International appearances, the minor leagues, and finally has shown MLB fans what we have been missing since the days of Willy Mays.   The NL ballot broke voting records between Yasiel Puig and Atlanta Braves (who made the team by 3 million votes, which sound like a lot, but actually close margin when you look at the total votes cast for both players) Freddie Freeman. Freeman won 19 million votes to Puig’s 16 million.  More votes were cast between those two players (35 million between the two) than majority votes cast for the NL Roster! Don’t get me wrong, I love Hunter Pence, but I cast my alloted votes to see Puig. Pence’s numbers have significantly slacked off, while Puig’s were rising.  Like the masses quietly appreciated Barry Bonds while spewing Boos at his dominating performance, I look forward to admiring (while booing what he does against my San Francisco Giants) Yasiel Puig finally earning his All Star status he obviously deserves.

What is your take? Here is an interesting article entertaining the debate even further:

http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2013-07-10/mlb-all-star-game-2013-yasiel-puig-final-vote-nl-roster-schedule

Globalization of America's Past Time...

What has been USA’s favorite sporting past time for the last Century, is quickly becoming prevalent in our World’s prime time.  The American pastoral game of baseball, born in the fields beyond New York City, (some citing  it originated in Massachusetts as early as 1791, takes on a new angle to the New York-Boston rivalry) is quickly evolving in to a global sensation spanning to the Far East, Central and South America, and spurt growth through Europe. USA can no longer claim dominance in baseball. Countries the size of an individual State, such as Japan, Korea, Dominican Republic, and Cuba take precedence of late on the World Baseball Stage.  Baseball has been seen internationally for almost 100 years, making exhibition and official appearances in the Summer Olympics since 1904. You would think USA would dominate, considering it was born in the original 13 States of our Union; yet, it’s a tiny country just beyond the shores of South Beach in Miami, Florida that has practically perfected our game, Cuba. There’s another Island power taking prominence in USA’s game due West of Hawaii, Japan. 

Every player talented enough to don a uniform in Major League Baseball has three goals in their career: Longevity, Prosperity, and a being a member of a World Series Champion team. Fifty years ago, these three desires were captured by young American boys living in Anytown,USA from shore to shining shore. That dream has grown beyond our prairies and ocean edges white with foam. The dream of becoming a World Series Champion lives in little boys in countries boat rides and plane trips abroad. The American dream has a new life through playing our American past time, baseball. When The Olympic committee decided to remove baseball from international competition, there was a void felt. Luckily, (love him or hate him) the Major League Baseball (MLB) commissioner, Bud Selig, felt that void personally(well, maybe a financial opportunity, as well).  The World Baseball Classic was created.  In 2005, the World Baseball Classic had its inaugural tournament, with Japan taking the Championship. Every four years, major leaguers have now added another goal to their list, going off and playing for the Country either themselves, parents, or family originated. USA is no longer the best in its past time correlated with hot dogs and apple pie. In the two World Baseball Classic Championships played in 2005 and 2009, Japan took top honors, beating out Cuba and South Korea, respectively. The United States placed 4^th in 2009 when Venezuela beat them in the consolation game.

What truly is significant about the World Baseball Classic (WBC)? How does it measure up related to other World Championships? If you ask any seasoned beat writer or journalist who’s followed baseball since the age of discovering relevance (usually occurs around 10 years), the World Baseball Classic is as insignificant as Spring Training statistics. For once, I am going to side with Bud Selig, an aging and unpopular Major League Baseball commissioner.  There are decisions in an Icon’s body of work where at present day, it seems frivolous… Yet, when we peer back in time, it actually will reflect as a poignant moment. I believe creating the World Baseball Classic and seeing it through its infancy will be well worth it as we peer back 20 years from now. Being a baseball fan, I’m excited to see America’s game grow in popularity world wide.  What’s more patriotic knowing other countries around the planet not only enjoy learning and playing America’s game, they strive to be as superior. I cannot think of a more prideful moment than welcoming a globalization of baseball to challenge American players to display democracy and rise up to greatness. Truly, it’s a sense of accomplishment knowing players from around the World want to compete with the best Major League baseball has to offer.  The reflection of MLB has become a melting pot. Some of the most significant players taking the fields across our land are from Japan, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Korea, and Cuba. After successful and positive performances from such teams as Italy and Netherlands in this year’s WBC, we just might be adding European players to the roster. The Semi Finals, and Finals will be taking place in my back yard at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California.  I look forward to cheering on the teams playing a game my Grandfather and Daddy taught me when I was 5 years old.  Let’s welcome the World, let the umpire dust off home plate, and “Play Ball”!

If you missed viewing Canada trouncing Mexico, or Netherlands shocking Cuba in 2013 World Baseball Classic Regional games, Len Berman shared two perfect reflections and synapse of significance the WBC has with players and their fans:

 “World Peace

Ah, the lofty ideals of sport. Bringing the world together to foster love and understanding. Right. What was more shocking, that Canada trounced Mexico 10-3, or that the two teams staged an all-out war on the field. A "real" baseball fight. Punches thrown, a bottle hurled by a fan in Phoenix hit one of Canada's coaches. It's a good thing the U.S. exists as a buffer state between these two warring nations. As for international sportsmanship, who's kidding whom? The whole idea of the World Baseball Classic is to "grow the game," ka-ching. So what if some nasty stuff gets in the way. It may even increase viewership for the Mexico/Canada rematch whenever that might be.

Honk if You Love Baseball

You can't miss the Dutch at the Olympics. Their fans wear orange shirts, make lots of noise and go nuts for rowing and speed skating. Those sports may take a back seat one day to honkbal. That's what they call baseball, a sport that the Netherlands hasn't really succeeded at. Their best Olympic finish in six tries was 5th. But yesterday, thanks to a game winning sacrifice fly they beat a real baseball country, Cuba, in the World Baseball Classic to advance to the semis. Or as the official honkbalsite.com tweeted  "Nederland verslaat in thriller Cuba en plaatst zich voor halve finales WBC!" "Thriller" works in both languages. The Dutch don't have a phrase for "walk-off sacrifice fly." The closest they come is "weglopen opofferingsslag," which must roll off the tongue nicely for the Dutch Vin Scully.”

Keep up with World Baseball Classic news!

                                                                                                                   

February Fodder

Ahhhhh! Here we are, approaching Spring! The shortest month on the calendar has flown by! Although many NFL and NCAA Division I Football fans would disagree, February is filled with a variety of activity… The tail-end month of Winter marks the beginning of planting Season. As we plant bulbs and seeds for an aromatic and colorful Spring, there’s actually quite a bit of action taking place above the surface.

February is underrated in the bustling events of Sports and competition.  Pitchers, Catchers, oh heck! The whole team reports to begin the Major League Baseball Season! The Gladiators we make  fools of ourselves dancing “Gangnam Style” in the stands in baseball fields across the Nation, migrate for preseason preparation to our Sunshine and Snowbird destinations, Arizona and Florida. February marks the mid-season for NBA and NHL.

As the overused adage goes for fans of our Pastoral American past time, our hopes and expectations are revived! No where else are the expectation and dreams bigger than in the Bay Area in Northern California, where AL West Pennant winners Oakland Athletics, as well as returning World Series Champions, San Francisco Giants vie to repeat in 2013. There is no easy task for either team separated by a bridge spanning between these two cities. No team in the National league has appeared in back-to-back World Series since the Cincinnati Reds in 1974 and 1975. The Oakland Athletics have a target on their back, with the California Angels pumping up their offense adding Josh Hamilton to their outfield, creating a New Millennium version of the “Bash Brothers”, joining  Angels 1^st baseman Albert Pujols. Many questions continue to loom in each dugout. Can Jed Lowry be an everyday producing infielder? Will Okajima be an effective closer with Balfour out? Will Cespedes deliver on his promise of being the 40/40 man in the outfield? Is Anderson a 20 game winning Ace? On the flip side, can Sergio Romo be an every day closer? Or will San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy continue to run closer duties by committee? Will Tim Lincecum bounce back after tailspinning off his usual secure performances on the mound? Lincecum’s velocity has significantly dropped off, where he will need to learn how to use his pitches effectively with location versus in past Seasons, he easily whipped the ball by opposing batters. Is Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford ready to step up their production? Will Hunter Pence become the leading RBI man in the clubhouse? Can Barry Zito sustain his amazing performance in 2013,that turned all of Giants Fans around to give him MVP praise in the 2012 post season outings?  All these questions will be answered in April.

Aside from baseball, there’s a plethora of sports action taking place across our diverse landscape. Let’s take a tour of all the happenings in our sports world in February:

The 49ers losing for the first time in a Super Bowl appearance seamed to place a curse among Bay Area professional teams competing to gain position in their respective leagues. The San Jose Sharks, and Golden State Warriors consecutively lost 7 games, and 6 games respectively in a row, before climbing back in to the “Win” column.  Both teams were off to an electric almost unfathomable start right out of the gates, with Golden State Warriors having the best road record in the first 30 games of the NBA Season, and the San Jose Sharks going 6-0 (only 2^nd to the Chicago Blackhawks, on best starts in a NHL Season) before being handed their first loss. Post Season play off questions loom large for both franchises. Will Golden State Warriors be able to hang on to secure a spot in Western Conference playoffs? So many unknowns contesting this inquiry pop up in every fans’ mind. The Golden State Warriors traded away Monte Ellis for a “Big Man” answer, to improve Warriors’ Post up and defensive woes, acquiring Andrew “Big Banana” Bogut. Yet, Bogut has not truly been a factor in the turnaround Season the Warriors are having so far in 2012-2013. Andres Beadrins, although nothing close to near the promise he displayed three years ago consistently marking up double doubles in scoring and rebounds, has been giving Golden State a lift in boards on both ends of the floor, and blocks.  

The 10 games Bogut participated have been a definite mixed bag. Right now, the Golden State warriors Post Season quest lie in the hands of the back court and perimeter shooting success of Stephan Curry and Kyle Thompson.  When Steph Curry and Kyle Thompson are hitting 44% and 53% shooting from the arc, there’s no reason to doubt they will be the team ending up with more points at the  end of 4^th quarter buzzer. Yet, when it becomes 27% and 37% nightmare, the Warriors know they are in a heap of trouble, as well as seeing a loss, usually by 10 points, or more.  It seems an identifying factor of the Golden State Warriors live and die by the 3 ball.  The Warriors also seem to have an identity crisis on their hands.  The team that shows up on the floor with Andrew Bogut, drastically varies from the quick agile small line up when Bogut is out.  NBA is headed in to the last 20 games of their regular Season, and if Golden State Warriors want to KEEP their position in a playoff spot, as well as potential opportunity to survive the first round, Coach Mark Jackson, and the core components need to work together in creating an absolute identity moving forward for Golden State Warriors.  

Danica!

Its Nascar Season! Once again America's premier racing circuit commenced their 2013 Nationwide and Sprint Cup Season with their Premier Championship race, the 55th running of Daytona 500! The week leading in to kicking off the Nascar Season, all fans and media outlets were all a buzz with the hottest and sleekest stock race car model to hit the oval, the new Gen Six bodies for Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota (take a peak). Danica Patrick not only made a splash with current love interest fellow Rookie driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr, she was the first woman in Nascar history to snag the Pole Position in Qualifying! It's definitely a dream campaign for her main sponsor "Go Daddy", with the words every blood pumping redneck has enjoyed uttering during Daytona Race Week, "Danica.... Is on the Pole!"... Not only was this a dream scenario for the "Go Daddy" driver and her owner Tony Stewart Racing, it has been a dream bump in Nascar ratings. 30% more viewers watched Danica finish 8th, be the first woman to lead a Nascar race under a green flag (versus caution laps), and primarily stay in the top 5 during the 200 laps. Danica’s performance in the Daytona 500 was so historic, her name is now linked with future Sprint Cup race promotions along with Jimmy Johnson's (the winner at Daytona) surge and quest for a 6th Driver Championship.  The casual fan may roll their eyes, not realizing the significance of this achievement means for Nascar. Racing is one of the few sporting events known where men and women compete on equal playing fields (the other is equestrian). Although there are ( I'm sure) drivers and fans alike that have mixed reactions to Danica's surge in the Nascar racing platform, its been nothing but positive for added exposure and padding everyone's wallet involved with Sprint Cup Nascar Racing.

Te'O of the Tape...

The National NFL Combine took place in Indianapolis Lucas Arena late February, and once again, there was the "Manti Te'O" side show I personally felt was unwarranted. I disagree with NFL Network analysts regarding an inflated draft value of Senior Notre Dame Linebacker Manti Te'O.  Between Steve "The Mooch" Mariucci, and Rich Eisen, there seems to be more than one person with admiration of Te'O's supposed "Talent" and "Skills"... I'm not convinced. Quite honestly, if I were a GM or NFL coach, not only would I not draft him in the 1st round, I am not sure I would waste a draft pick on the Linebacker from Notre Dame. Aside from the fiasco of a significant lapse of judgement (or ignorance), as well as suspect maturity, Manti's talent, size, and speed he would potentially bring to the NFL field is questionable. Out of 26 Linebackers who competed at the National Combine, Manti Te'O was 20th in the 40 yard sprint, clocking in at 4.82 seconds. I would think LB coaches are looking for sub 4.7 times. He didn’t even participate in the bench press exercise, which the NFL utilizes to display power and potential explosiveness. His size is average, 6'1" and 240 pounds. The foot work and drills performed on field with LB coaches were okay, nothing particularly stood out. On top of disappointing results from #5 of Notre Dame lore, is a glaring game tape of his performance in the 2012-2013 BCS Championship game, where he was constantly two steps behind and had a front row view of Alabama's running backs running the ball in to the "Fighting Irish" End Zone all.... game.... long....

In my humble opinion, Notre Dame shouldn't have the top tier power ranking it currently possesses in NCAA Division I Football. Thier strength of schedule does not hold a candle to the likes of such conferences as Big 10, SEC, Big 12, or even some teams in PAC 12. Notre Dame did not win the game against Stanford last year. Stanford scored to win in OT, and the last call was royally botched. Pitt had Notre Dame on the ropes all game long, leading at one time by 20+ points. I'm still scratching my head on how Pitt allowed Notre Dame back in to the game, as if a slide of palms took place at half time in the locker room. Truly, I'm not sure what algorithm BCS uses specifically for Notre Dame; there is no way it's the same used for any other NCAA Division I team. If you view Notre Dame as an overrated program, then one can understand the subpar numbers displayed by Manti Te'O in the Combine, and in the BCS National Championship game versus Alabama. I understand how tackles and sacks statistics can become inflated when your competition is Boston College, Navy, Pitt, a rebuilding Michigan and Michigan State squads. I'm going to call it like I see it... I personally feel he is going to be the next bust... Remember Steve Emtman from the National Champions UW Huskies? Bust!  Remember the hyped up Brian Bosworth from National Champions Oklahoma Sooners? Bust! I believe Te'O is headed down this same path... Instead of risking a precious draft pick on a questionable aggregate in hopes of improving any NFL Defense, I would instead, invite Manti Te'O to try out for my team, and see if he can step up and put the "Big Boy" pads on and truly compete with the brightest, fastest, and most powerful we enjoy watching on any given Sunday in the NFL.   

The first woman to compete at a regional Combine may have flopped, there were two other female phenoms making the spotlight!

A dynamo cheerleader has a half court trick shot that left the Harlem Globetrotters slack jawed:

Ashee Amau

University Baylor Bears Phenom Center, Brittney Griner lit it up scoring 50 points versus Kansas State, a Big 12 Record! :

Brittney Griner Highlights

Up Next...

San Francisco Giants on top of the World once more!

An amazing day in San Francisco October 31st! San Francisco truly knows how to throw a party and parade!

Now that the confetti has been swept up and the World Series Trophy will begin making its tour, there are greater agendas looming at the San Francisco Giants front office.

Contracts and free-agent status are now in contention regarding players that were pieced together creating a brotherhood in the dugout that would never die coming to the brink of scheduling tee times on 6 different occasions, before stunning the Detroit Tigers in the World Series, sweeping them. On top of that, players that had Season ending injuries will be coming back reporting healthy in Spring.

Tim Lincecum officially became a restricted Free Agent as the the street sweepers were running along picking up what brooms left behind along Market Street. Lincecum had his most diverse and challenging year to date. Tim and Zito flipped their records, with #55 going 10-15, and #75 15-10! Talking Sports heads and analysts have weighed in their opinions regarding Tim Lincecum summing up a view of the 2-time Cy Young recipient being 'done'. Yet, Bochy gave us a look at an option of an electric shut down mid-reliever in the postseason, where Lincecum came out of the bullpen striking out 20 all together! What does one do? Lincecum took a risk not signing a 5 year 100 million contract in 2012 offseason, thinking he could possibly earn more. That may have backfired. Of course, his future now lies in the hands of Sabian and the open market. Will there be teams bidding for Timmie, thinking he will continue to have "The Right Stuff" to get the job done? Possibly not in a starting role, but he definitely put on quite the try out for a multi-inning reliever.

Then there is Barry Zito. The ballooned 7 year 126 million contract is coming to and end, with Zito displaying performances in 2012 of why he won the Cy Young 10 years ago. Zito also was clutch in 2 pivotal games in the postseason shutting down explosive line ups in St Louis and setting the tone in the first game of the World Series against Detroit and their MVP baller Verlander. Do the SF Giants risk consistency signing him for a 2 year deal? ( I'm pretty sure it will be for quite a bit less).

Moving on from the pitching questions, there are some outfield and infield dilemmas to point out. First and foremost, 2nd base. Freddy Sanchez will be coming back form injury. Marco Scutaro just turned 37. There are two hopefuls from the Giants Farm system that may be ready in 2013. In my humble opinion, every year Freddy Sanchez has been here, he has missed significant amount of time due to injury. I don't know if I would continue to shell out contracts and money to a player that seems prone. With that in mind, I would waive, trade, release Freddy Sanchez and sign Marco Scutaro to a 2 or 3 year deal- the Venezuelan's legit!

Hunter Pence? Staying. He has at least one more year left in contract, with I believe an option of arbitration. He is an amazing player. Angel Pagan and a need for another outfielder (due to the loss of Melkey Cabrera) are the begging question marks. I see San Francisco working on a deal to keep Angel Pagan around. He did well in his role both in the outfield as well as leading off. It's a matter of San Francisco turning to the open market looking for a heavy swinging outfielder, or once again possible holding pat relying on their young and upcoming home grown products. There are some heavy names hitting free agency.  A couple of them happen to be Josh Hamilton, and Matt Kemp. After all the adoring tweets broadcasted by Kemp, I would not mind if he chose to turn in his "Dodger Blue" for Black and Orange.... Not at all!

So, come February 2013, for the most part, I believe you will see a chunk of the team return, and with the wizardry of  Sabian, some fresh complimenting components to further enhance our "Gamers" representing the City on The Bay, "San Francisco".

Bochy Ball

Through eons of columns from beat writers, sports analysts, and general managers alike, a team with chemistry, great pitching, power, and a little bit of luck will usually be playing baseball in October...

When it comes to the San Francisco Giants, statistics, odds, and assumptions officially do not apply. Based on team numbers displayed in box scores and spread sheets, no one would have picked or expected San Francisco to represent the National League in the Major League Baseball World Series; even avid fans were suspect all 162 games! Based on a team that had the least amount of runs scored in MLB, the least number of home runs belted out of ballparks, mediocre number of multi-base hits, league leading numbers in stranding runners in scoring position, league leading number of errors commited on the field, and a mediocre at best starting 5 ERA amongst the MLB, no way San Francisco in the Black and Orange make it to the Fall Classic with those lackluster stats.

Ahhh.... Luckily what creates a "Winning" franchise requires more ingredients than a triple crown winner, a Cy Young recipient, and MVP team savior... Just ask Hunter Pence, or should I say "Preacher Pence", whom addressed the team during their initial elimination series against the Cincinnati Reds, "We accept each other for who we are, and go out there and play for each other!" Since that eloquent pep talk (and he now gives one before each game), Giants have gone 6-0 in elimination games this postseason, Sweeping the Cincinatti Reds in Cincinatti, and bringing a NLCS on the brink of postseason tee times back to San Francisco from St. Louis after losing the first two games in the BBQ capital of the USA. What exactly is it that makes San Francisco persevere and seem virtually as immortal as a cock roach roaming around alive in a nuclear winter? That my friends, is a complex contest, which I am happy to break down. Its what San Franciscans (and Bay Area diehard baseball fans) like to call “Bochy Ball”.  

Through out Spring Training, and the marathon of months leading up to October, Bruce Bochy and the managing staff of the San Francisco Giants have creatively compiled a “Band of Ballers” that somehow worked through plugging holes in Season ending injuries to an All-Star closer (Brian Wilson out with Shoulder injury, the Bull Pen creatively becomes closer by committee), an All-Star Second baseman who went down with Season ending Shoulder Surgery (Freddy Sanchez aggravated an injury thought to be healed, out at beginning of year, and a hand full of plug-ins ranging from Pill, Theriot, to finally acquiring the perfect fit in NLCS MVP Marco Scutaro picked up at the trade deadline from Colorado Rockies), a set up relief pitcher suspended for 100 days testing positive for the 2^nd time of illegal PEDs (Mota left a huge hole in options of the closing bull pen by committee, Sabian and Bochy played reliever roulette with remainder of the staff along with acquiring Kontos and Mejias), an anemic and sluggish offense committing errors left an right along the infield, shocking performances (or lack there of) from a back-to-back Cy Young Ace pitcher (Tim Lincecum's ERA blew up and seemed could not get out of the 3^rd inning of a game without being handled by opposing offenses across MLB Ball Parks) along with yo-yo performances from the remainder of the starting pitching staff (Vogelsong and Bumgarner seemed to be cruising to potential 20 win seasons, when August came along and reminded both of the definition of ‘dead arm’). 

Last but not least, the Giants’ received a final blow when its major offense contributor (and MVP of the All Star Game giving home field to NLCS winner in the World Series, as well as leading BA in NL)  Melkey Cabrera was suspended for testing positive for an illegal PED (performance enhancing drug). Not only did it devastate an already anemic offensive line up, the franchise was literally blind-sided by the news seemingly coming out of left field.

With the San Francisco Giants NL West nemesis, Los Angeles Dodgers acquiuring money men (a blockbuster of a trade bringing the likes of Adrien Gonzales, Josh Beckett, and Carl Crawford over from Boston) combined with the team losing their clean up hitter, I am not proud to admit doom hit the airwaves and fans’ guts in and around the Bay. 

Everyone assumed Larry Baer, Brian Sabian, and Brucy Bochy were backed in to a corner to make a move. The most shocking and bold move was made by the franchise, they did nothing… The San Francisco Giants franchise had a positive outlook and faith in their GM, their Manager, and the coaching staff to make it work with the mixture of players they’ve groomed and acquired, to give them the best shot at making the postseason. When the San Francisco Giants decided to stand pat, it reminded me of a quote I recently ran across, “It's not about what happens, it's about perspective. I may not be able to change what takes place, but I can always choose to change my thinking.” ~Michelle Sedas

 It worked! Actually it was a gem! In hindsight, I realized the GM and Bochy knew not to screw with the chemistry brewing in the dugout. The combination of a little bit of luck, line up tinkering, a tightened up Defense, a pitching staff seeing career numbers from their 4^th  (Vogelsong) and 5^th (Barry Zito ended up with 15 wins!) starters as well as bull pen, they had all ingredients to make another run for a World Series appearance. There is a philosophy Bochy brings to his line up most other managers heed from- he’s not afraid to bench a player, or move one to a different hole in the batting order, to achieve best results.  It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, it matters what you’re doing. Some of the greatest moves recently have been moving former Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum to the bull pen (and he has been lights out in mid-inning relief), moving the likes of Brandon Belt and Hunter Pence up and down the batting line up to improve hitting success, and keeping left handed and right handed hitters on the 40 man roster that can be explosive in pinch hitting situations. Bruce Bochy must have a PHD in pitcher vs hitter match ups, usually (and obvious) resulting in a winning outcome. Bochy has been nothing short of a world renowned conductor guiding all the instruments through a melodic masterpiece concerto with a crescendo final movement booming as strong as the 1812 Overture.

Once again, the pesky underdogs from San Francisco are giving their opponents headaches, and unnerving frustrations. Somehow with a BA hovering closer to .200 than .300 is beating the touted best pitching in MLB. Somehow the pitching staff has figured out the most feared power hitters amongst MLB. How do they do that? A little bit of luck, a whole lot of faith, and a masterful manager. All the San Francisco Giants needed was an in… A ticket to the Fall Show… From there, the players, the coaches, and everyone involved from the owners down to us fans believe they not only belong there, but can win it again! Bring the trophy home boys! 

What? You haven’t heard the 1812 Overture?

Take a listen:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xobhy_tchaikovsky-overture-1812_music

You need to close your eyes and enjoy the 16 minutes of masterful music! This is the piece played that usually opens up 4^th of July fireworks across USA!

Stealing First!

The Texas Rangers held 1st place in the AL West Major League Baseball standings for 176 days, and 161 games... Yet, on the day 1st place counted (after the 162nd game), They found themselves traveling home to save their hopes as a "Wild Card" contender to keep alive a return trip (for a third straight year) to the Fall Classic, World Series of Baseball, as the AL representative. Billy Bean, of "Money Ball" fame and long time GM magician for the Oakland Athletics compiled (unbeknownst to baseball analysts and fans alike) a perfect chemistry of rookies and unknowns with "The Right Stuff" to burst the bubble and assumptions across the landscape of Baseball lore. A team with an astonishing vintage $55 million dollar budget rose from the depths of the only dual sport decrepit (creaking and archaic concrete) stadium left standing in the US located in the East Bay of Northern California, to slash the assumptions and expectations of all competition near and far in the American League. 

What's more stunning, is the statistics. Since June 1, Oakland A's have gone 72-39, a .648 winning percentage! That winning angle comes close to insanity... The Texas Rangers went  62-49 with significant drops in July (going 9-14) and September (going 15-13) for practically 50% baseball at .558! Oakland was on a mission. No team in history of MLB with 9 games to go, and 5 games behind, made a statement on where they felt they should be going, the playoffs. 

Before the trading deadline, July 31, it appeared Oakland Athletics were unloading, trading away Gio Gonzales (starting pitcher), and Kirk Suzuki (catcher), evaluated as two of their premier players to the Washington Nationals. Well, those two did contribute to the Nationals first playoff appearance since relocation from Montreal, Canada in 2004 (formerly the Expos). I don't think there are many sports analysts outside of Oakland, CA whom could even name more than two players on the 25 man roster in Oakland! ( I know I would struggle, being a San Francisco Giants Fan). 

More interesting than that, Oakland Athletics go in to the playoffs undoubtedly with the best starting pitching, bullpen, and hitting (the triple threat), yet NO ONE seems threatened by them or feels they're the most dangerous team to face in the playoffs to make the "Fall Classic". Overlooking Oakland may be the mistake every other team and analyst makes in 2012.  The only persons whom seem dialed in to their threat, are the beat reporters, and sports analysts, who've quietly watched their rise out of the "Stepchild" City of Oakland CA. 

Only the delirious folks surrounding the NorCal corridor are excited about a desired and long overdue "Battle of the Bay" World Series. 1989 literally shook the earth, bringing a Championship to Oakland. Will the Earth shake again in 2012? These 'wild and crazy' fans that seem to know "nothing" about baseball have been enjoying the rise of talent no one seems to notice anywhere else in Anytown USA. Hmmmm..... Maybe West Coast Sports Lovers should have a "Gripe" versus the trends and headlines around our Nation. 

I am absolutely enjoying the view of a little known team in Cali stealing a title from the Big Blue Boys in Texas! 

Enjoy the Gallery! 

http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/photos/gallery.jsp?content_id=39448870&c_id=mlb

The "Hunt" for October...

In all professional sports spanning the United States, reaching the playoffs in Major League Baseball is one of the most difficult and exclusive achievement. The "Hunt" for October baseball is daunting, arduous, and a mentally taxing feat of any professional athlete, as well as the veteran core managing their path.  Before 1995, 30 teams clawed their way through 162 games at a chance to be one of the 4 (then 6) teams with the most wins vying for a Pennant Championship. Two teams from the National league, and two from the American League. If you win the Pennant, you reach the Holy Grail of Championships, a best of 7 World Series. Since 1995, MLB has decided to bequeath a generous opportunity upon MLB teams to reach October baseball for 4 more teams, and in 2012, expanded it further to give 10 teams an opportunity at October Glory.

It began in the early 1900's with a shocker trade between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees that sent the most famous polarizing figure in baseball from defending the Green Monster to building his house in the South Bronx, Babe Ruth. For a measly share in a Broadway Production, Boston Red Sox coughed up the most famous player of baseball to the New York Yankees, whom began their dynasty on World Series appearances (Yankees tout the most World Series Championships, 27). Through the 20th Century on through the first decade of the Millennium, with so many teams, so few spots, there are a handful of owners deciding to bloat their payroll to attract players whom they believe will be the answer to acquiring a ticket to October. Depending on the audience (as well as allegiance, shall we say), and choice perspective of phrases, many fans observe bloated payrolls, and scooping up the greatest of athletes to pack the field as attempts to "Buy" a championship. "There's no such thing in Sports. Some organizations spend", was an opinion given by John Kincade of ESPN regarding an observation given at the most recent blockbuster deal between Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers, sending Adrian Gonzales, Josh Beckett, Clay Crawford, and Nick Punto to the Dodgers. As a San Francisco Giants fan, I had to pick my jaw up from my car floor, as well as many other words not legal to express by the FCC, I personally disclosed back at the radio (yes, sports dorks yell at the TV, and when in car, the radio) ending with "Those mother bleepin bleepin Dodgers bleepin bleepin owners are going to buy their way back to the postseason!"  What is the popular opinion? Have team owners bought their way to a World Series ring? Or, is it a matter of willingness to spend the money to acquire a team to produce now whom management and owners feel would be the best option to produce on the field, put tushes in the seats, and an appearance in October? Or, is it truly a statement by the owners to invest in a dynasty and their future? As by my disclosed biased comments, opinions vary based upon if you're a fan, media, or players. 

Let's take a closer look at some historical acquisitions and collection of teams in modern day baseball era... Let's begin with the most dominant team in baseball, New York Yankees. Yankees have been blessed to have a collection of owners through the years that brought a requirement of "Winning" as the standard within the clubhouse. NY Yankees owner Dan Topping had claim and ownership on the 'player' market back in the Hey Day of the Yankees success in the 1960's; The most spectacular trade in the Day was a 12 player deal the Yankees made with the Kansas City Athletics that sent the likes of Ken Boyer, Art Ditmar, and Bobby Shantz to the Yankees, securing a Pennant rich future for the popular pinned-striped club. As reported at various sports statistics site, this statement plainly advises, "The Yankees thoroughly and cruelly dominated MLB in those days, and one of their chief mechanisms for doing so was to keep an extra stable of players within their reach". If anything, regardless of owner, New York Yankees maintained the the same mission, Be the most prominent and winningest franchise in baseball history. So far, they've succeeded in their goal. Of course, they've taken risks, and spent quite a bit of doe to make that a fruition.  George Steinbrenner acquired the New York Yankees in 1973, and continued the expectations of Yankee fans to produce a Pennant winning product. There were dark days of Yankee history throughout his ownership, yet he began his intentions on the right foot when he brought Reggie Jackson on to the Yankee squad. In the dark days of "Summer of Sam", New York Yankees brought back winning ways in 1977 and 1978. With legal issues, it took Steinbrenner almost 20 years to rebuild another run at the World Series Championship. It eventually paid off for George and the Yankee fan base when they won World Series rings in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2009.  I cannot begin to list the number of players and monies spent in between World Series appearances. It seemed there wasn't an All Star free agent or prime prospect untouchable to sign or trade to the pin stripes! 

There were other teams during  (what will be known as) the PED (or what I would like to reference as Power) era that raised eye brows on acquisitions and payroll expansion. Let's take a look at one of the most dominant franchises in the 1990's and its 'polarizing' owner, Ted Turner and the Atlanta Braves. Ted Turner culminated one of the most dominant pitching and offense producing franchises of the 1990's. Atlanta seemed to be the perennial team in contention and actually vied for a World Series Championship between 1991 and 2005. Other mentions during the "Power" era of baseball would be the Cleveland Indians, Florida Marlins, and yes.... my beloved San Francisco Giants.  Let's recall some of those whom played for the Cleveland Indians during their mid-1990 run appearing in the playoffs, and World Series in 1995- Omar Vizquel, Jim Thome, Sandy Alomar, Albert Belle, Carlos Baerga, Kenny Lofton, Manny Ramirez, Eddie Murray, Dave Winfield, Orel Hershiser, Dennis Martinez, Jose Mesa, Charles Nagy, and Paul Assenmacher... That team was stacked! In 1993, Pittsburgh Pirates fans were decimated by the news of Barry Bonds going to the San Francisco Giants. The Pirates were dreaming of postseason play with one of the greatest players to be in their line up since the likes of Roberto Clemente. Of course, San Francisco was hoping to build a perennial power house around Barry Bonds to bring them October Schedule opportunities year in and year out. Unfortunately, that did not pay off for almost a decade, when San Francisco finally fielded a pitching staff and position player combination to get them to the World Series in 2002. San Francisco was 2 innings and a few outs away from hoisting the World Series trophy when it all unraveled in Anaheim.  It took San Francisco almost another decade to shock MLB as well as their fans fielding a home-grown team of utter rookies (along with a handful of outplaced veterans, stragglers if you may picked up from previous World Series success teams such as the White Sox and Phillies) winning the World Series Championship sweeping the heavily favored Texas Rangers in 2010! Everyone rebutted the feat as "Lightning in a Bottle", a "fluke". Yet, they beat heavily salaried and talented teams such as the Atlanta Braves, and Philadelphia Phillies... So, was it a matter of "prime performance" at "prime time", or was the San Francisco pitching staff, and managing the batting line up the core of winning? 

Let's not forget the most infamous team accumulated in the "Power" era that's tagged most as a team "Bought" for a World Series ring, the 2003 World Series Champion Florida Marlins. Let's take a peak at their roster: Ivan 'Pudge' Rodriguez, Derek Lee, Luis Castillo, Mike Lowell, Alex Gonzales, Todd Hollansworth, Juan Pierre, Juan Incarnacion, Miguel Cabrera, Brad Penny, Josh Beckett, and  AJ Burnett as player highlights. It was the first year a "Wild Card" got in and went all the way! Before the floors were dried in the locker room from the World Series celebration, the Florida Marlins ended up dismantling the team, which begged the question even further of their goal to acquire a ring, then move on... You would think most teams would have goals of "Dynasty"... Not with this team, or ownership group. They obviously were done with one. 

Boston Red Sox and their genius youthful GM of the Millennium, Epstein, weighed money of their own to acquire an amazing line up and pitching staff that finally broke the curse of Babe Ruth and a World Series Championship (first one in 86 years) when the 2004 Boston Red Sox came back from being down 1-3 against the hated Yankees, and swept the heavily favored St. Louis Cardinals whom everyone thought La Rosa, Renteiria, and Puljos would mop the floor with Boston... Big Papi, Manny Ramirez, Curt Schilling, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, Varitek, Johnny Damon (to name a few) had other outcomes in mind... They were rewarded with the most amazing moment in my memory banks, winning the World Series Championship for the first time since 1918! 

Okay, let's return to modern times and today's reality! The Los Angeles Dodgers have pulled  the most significant deal off waiver wires in recent MLB history. The deal ultimately involved 9 players all together. It sent the likes of Adrian Gonzales, Josh Beckett, Carl Crawford and Nick Punto to Los Angeles Dodgers, and sent picks and prospects to the Boston Red Sox. Los Angeles Dodgers absorbed 260 million in acquired payroll on the deal. The ongoing debate rumbles through the sports pages and radio discussions if this is a move to win NOW, or establish components for a legacy to acquire a potential Blockbuster television deal to blow away lucrative numbers acquired by the likes of Atlanta Braves, and New York markets (rumblings mark the TV deal north of 6 billion in potential revenue). I've heard coifs, rants, and raves from both sides of the isle; everything from "going all in" to win the NL West now and get to the playoffs, to the new ownership intentionally sending a significant message they are serious about returning to winning in Dodger Blue franchise tradition. Last World Series appearance by the Los Angeles Dodgers was in 1988. When rumors began to circle amidst social media, reactions popped up with a gamut of reactions. Attention immediately took an about face heading up Northbound to see (if any) reaction disclosed by Dodgers' nemesis, none other than the San Francisco Giants. As news broke of the waiver buster deal about to be confirmed, a closed door meeting commenced at the SF Giants front office involving Brian Sabian, Bruce Bochy, and Larry Baer. Funny enough, the timing came when Larry Baer, and Brian Sabian normally appear weekly on the local radio Giants flagship station, KNBR. Larry Baer followed through with his commitment and appeared with Tom Tolbert and Eric Byrnes last Friday a little after 5pm PST. Larry Baer commented regarding the "Precedent' of the potential acquisition, and what that would mean for the NL West, knowing both teams still had 6 head-to-head games between one another, and SF Giants with a 3 game lead in the standings. Baer was not shy of disclosing how it would be nice to acquire another piece in the batting line up, as well as in the bull pen, yet other teams have already laid claim on components they felt were right for the club. So, for now, the are content with "Standing pat with the team we have on the field" versus risking their future on an unknown component.   Of course, if something shakes loose in the upcoming weeks (say, Cody Ross, for instance), I don't think San Francisco would hesitate in picking up a commodity that has brought success in past back on board. 

Other reactions I've received personally were from a dear distinguished sports colleague Len Berman, stating, " This would be precedent setting, the largest "waiver wire" blockbuster". Howard Bryant, Senior Writer for ESPN Magazine had this to share in conversation regarding the bold move, " My first thought that this was a total repudiation of the Red Sox former GM, Theo Epstein. The Red Sox squeezed as much juice out of the orange to the tune of two World Series titles and a rewritten culture; but this current group had run its course. The message on Crawford and Gonzalez to me was this: it didn't work. You weren't what we thought you were. My next was that while I understand the new owners of the Dodgers want to be bold, the truth is that each of the three big players in the deal- Josh Beckett with his back, Adrian Gonzalez with his shoulder, and Carl Crawford with Tommy John surgery... all have significant injuries. The Dodgers have a huge population, a terrific fan base, a mega television deal, which makes them in great position to make a high-risk, high-reward play. I'm just not sure these three guys were the ones to bet on. " Adrian Gonzales went on to hit a 3 run homer on his first at bat for the Dodgers. Josh Beckett was rocked in Colorado on his debut start for the Dodgers.  San Francisco remains 2.5 games ahead in the NL West with the month of September to play out.  What is your take? Does the Dodgers acquisition make  the list as one of the "Heralded Trades" of all time in MLB history?  The outcome of this move is yet to be determined... we have a month and a week, maybe a year and a month, and a week before we will truly know the impact of the moves made by the brass of the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Here are a list of trades made through MLB history to refresh everyone's memory of moves made between ball clubs ultimately "Hunting" for a trip to October! 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1007157-mlb-trades-ranking-the-50-biggest-trades-ever/page/25

(footnote: Hanley Ramirez, and Adrian Gonazles actually have been swapped in trades between teams, and now find themselves playing together for the LA Dodgers... One of the most successful coaches of NY Yankees, Joe Torre, found himself on the trade block as a player back-to-back-to-back seasons)