The Great Debate: Offense versus Defense Wins Titles

I'm sure in passing, you've heard the vintage conundrum- 'Which came first, the chicken or the egg?”

Years of  argument and theory regarding the National Football League recipe obtaining world titles have always began with the default admission, 'Defense wins Titles'.

As we progress in to the third decade of the millennium, there are analysts sprouting in many media outlets challenging the status quo theory. Spurts of sports media platforms across the nation are beginning to dismiss this absolute theory, challenging what exactly is the formula concocted by franchises leading to world titles?  A new theory has hit center stage, that it's the offense on display that will duke it out for the trophy. Decades have progressed where there was ne'r a challenge of the original theory of a team's defense being the formula to winning.

Sports analysts are challenging the antiquated default argument. Are they accurate with their argument?  Taking closer look at the most explosive football game in 2018 NFL season between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams, as well as viewing the performances throughout current playoff season, Defense (with an effervescent and dynamic defense coordinator who knows how to adjust and expose unknowing offenses) lead to titles.

On Monday Night Football November 19, 2018 between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams, there were 14 touchdowns scored between both teams. Three of those touchdowns were scored by Defense on turnovers, two fumble recoveries, and an interception. The team that ultimately came out on top, the Los Angeles Rams, had two of those defense scores.  The result of this one game ignited the sports airwaves touting a transition away from the value of defense segwaying to offense firepower as the must haves to acquire the Lombardi Trophy. Yet, as the remaining NFL season played out, there were only two other offensive powerhouse offerings to add. Surprisingly, they featured the teams now playing to go to the Super Bowl.  New England beat Kansas City in week 6 of the regular season, 43-40; and the New Orleans Saints beat the Los Angeles Rams in week 9 45-35.

Another supposed argument siding with the offensive minded, is the most dominating offensive player in the millennium, New England quarterback, Tom Brady. Regardless of receiving core suiting up, year-in-and-year-out, Brady is the most precise and prolific offensive weapon.  He is New England's Trojan horse, as well. New England's offensive versatility often sidetracks analysts and opposing defensive coordinators. Two factors regarding New England's success overlooked by the masses are their sneaky running game, and its diverse defensive planning between head coach Bill Belichick and his various defense coordinators (Brian Flores has taken over this year from parting DC master, Matt Patricia).

Viewing five various sports sites ranking NFL defenses in 2018, not one had the New England Patriots in their top five (most placing them between 7th and 18th ). Yet, the New England defense literally shut down a powerhouse offense in Phillip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers.  In the first half of the AFC Championship game, New England defense shut down Kansas City from scoring. You may refute that Patriots allowed Mahomes and Kansas City back in game, as they did come out and score 31 points in the second half, which was whole heartedly disappointing. To advise, Kansas City defense did have a winning game interception, if it weren't for a neutral zone line up infraction made; thus, a defense play made to secure a victory moving towards a title. Alas, New England overcame fiascos to prove again, that behind that precise multi – option offense machine, is a defense that allows them opportunity to overtake time of possession and patiently maneuver down past all the hash marks in to the end zone.

In Sunday's earlier championship game, Los Angeles Rams displayed an expected top ranked defense performance stopping one of the most prolific offenses for the past decade lead by Drew Brees for the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans averaged 31 points this past 2018 season in scoring.  During the regular season, the New Orleans Saints beat Los Angeles Rams 45 to 35. Needless to say, defense was suspect in the earlier regular season encounter. Los Angeles defense coordinator Wade Phillips knew going in to the NFC Championship game, he had to come up with a score stopping strategy if the Rams had any chance of winning in a hostile high octane scoring environment in New Orleans.  The defensive line, the pass-rush all- pro duo of Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh set out the game plan and came up big. The Rams defense held Drew Brees and Saints offense (drawn up by one of the better offensive minds in Sean Payton) to 23 points.

As we head in to Super Bowl 53 between the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots, offense will show up on both sides to place points on the board. Don't be fooled by the rushes, catches and flinging passes athletically nabbed out of the gridiron air; a championship will be secured by the defense showing up stalling and denying progress in their opponent's forward scoring scheme.

The Extinction of Virtue... (You, Me and the Two Minute Memory)

As we approach completion of the second decade in Millennium, we're figuring how to embrace the good, bad, and ugly surrounding globalization and pandemic addiction to social media. Millennials in Western Civilization have hi jacked technology and spreading blasphemic rhetoric with reckless abandon. Even worse, the X generation and Baby Boomers are climbing on board attempting to resurrect their own fountain of youth, and relevance.

No where is the latter so valid than in our Sports analyst world. Both amateur and professional critics are guilty of acquiring a two-minute memory. Reporting has moved in to an existential realm. Although it's never healthy to stay in the past, or worry about the future, we should at least learn and observe from past and present successes and failures.

The virtue of patience, has been moved on to the endangered values list.

The current story of 1^st round 1^st NFL pick of 2016 Jared Goff of the St. Louis Rams is one headline validating the coming extinction of patience. Goff has been designated 3rd string by head Coach Jeff Fisher, citing need for growth to succeed as a NFL quarterback. Not very long ago, Aaron Rodgers was 1^st Round Pick for Green Bay in 2005. Rodgers sat watching Brett Favre for three years before starting. Andrew Luck was the 1^st Round pick for Indianapolis Colts in 2012, and sat behind Peyton Manning. Calling Jared Goff a 'bust' because his head coach chooses to groom him and slowly bring up to speed is just ignorant. If you would like to know valid examples of what a 'bust' looks like? Look up the following 1^st round quarterback picks: Jamarcus Russell, Ryan Leaf, Johnny Manziel, Matt Leinart, Jake Locker, Vince Young, Rex Grossman, Byron Leftwich, Joey Harrington to name just a few drafted in last 15 years. Jared Goff comes out of the same fiery offense of the Cal Bears, where Aaron Rodgers played. Knowing the present and past success of Cal and Stanford products, I am sure Goff will be valid, once he receives the opportunity to run a NFL offense.

Another set of values out the window would be honesty and humility. Just hop over to a bevy of story lines coming out of NFL. The most prevalent headline, and hitting close to home, in the Bay Area, is owner Mark Davis relentless pursuit to relocate the Oakland Raiders. Oakland Raiders fans have to be absolute up in arms about recent development of Las Vegas rewarding a bid for NFL (at the Raiders' owner qualifying inquiry) to build a stadium financing a 750 million dollar project. We've heard for years back and forth conversation and debate of both the City of Oakland as well as the Oakland Raiders pointing blame and fingers at one another about lack of support, and funding to keep Raiders franchise in Oakland. By 2020, the City of Oakland lies at risk of being barren, losing all three professional franchises. The Golden State Warriors moving back to San Francisco in 2017; the Oakland Raiders may be leaving to live La Vida Loca in Las Vegas as soon as 2018 (if approved by NFL ownership); and the Athletics may finally win a heated dispute to relocate to the South Bay, San Jose. The Oakland Coliseum is a vintage historic landmark of what was once the norm, of a duel use stadium, housing baseball and football teams. Somewhere in between the lines of closed door City meetings, and NFL back room pow wows, Oakland has been left behind in purgatory. Unfortunately, the losers become the fans. What will happen to loyalty when once again, the team you proudly cheer, up roots, and moves far away?!

Last but not least, are diversity and benevolence. The meaning of Patriotism has officially been put on the water board. The question of patriot, blackness, and respect have been placed on the forefront of conversation weekly since San Francisco back up quarterback, Colin Kaepernick was noticed sitting during the National Anthem, in a preseason game. Before Colin had any opportunity to explain in actions, and positions, the social media sites lit him up! It was as if he received quite the virtual media lynching of his actions. I am guilty myself of rashly reacting without knowing any background of the situation. Many have questioned Kaepernicks' motive, reasoning, and method. We all had input. Majority of our input quite false, and juvenile. I have to give Kaepernick credit of starting a discussion and opening up debate on an issue that is controversial and no one wants to validate. We may not agree with his method of protesting racial injustice in the United States. I keep hearing that the term 'injustice' must be further defined. In every one of Kaepernick's press discussions, he's been quite clear in defining injustice. One example would be a black college student found guilty of stolen lap tops. He was sentenced to three years in jail, no option for parole, early release; then there's the Stanford white swimmer convicted of rape (found having sex with a passed out woman in public) sentenced to six months, and then released three months later for good behavior!!! That's an injustice example Mr. Kaepernick and many other black athletes are protesting.

That's just a dust bunny on the tip of examples around the country. Many are upset that he is disrespecting military, and military service. Many military members have come to the football players' defense, stating the whole reason we defend the flag, and the constitution of the United States, is the right for citizens to rise up ( or sit, take a knee) and protest when there are 'injustices' happening marring the whole reason of our land of supposed opportunity. I, myself may not agree with his method of protest, but I agree his right to protest, and hope to see action behind the words. I am aware there has been significant financial promises to programs combating and working to reverse and improve poverty and violence stricken communities; but there has to be action. Professional athletes are in high profile positions, and it's a great platform to impress and advocate change. I personally do not reflect it as a distraction, or 'not doing your job' reaction. If anything, it has improved, opening door to communication between players, as well as everyone surrounding professional sports.

The beauty of sports and competition is its a complex arena. It involves camaraderie, discipline, team work, and a choice to do the right thing. Create positive choices, and change any deviant culture. The game's always evolving. Its best to embrace change, and improve on imperfection.

If you haven't paid attention, please watch some clips:

Is Jared Goff a Bust?

Rams and opinion Jared Goff progress

Mark Davis and supossed desire to stay in Oakland

Las Vegas approves 750 Millions NFL Stadium

Kaepernick and reason for sitting

Kaepernick response to criticism

NFL analyst calls Kaepernick 'Not Black'

NFL analyst criticises Kaepernick for speaking out and his job

Kaepernick Response to 'shut up and do your job' reaction

Russell Wilson and his Patriotic Stand 

PRP ... Not to PRP...

https://www.muirortho.com/prp-or-not-to-prp/

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April 7, 2016...

As the universe gifts us rare celestial moments in our life time of Haley's comet passing, or a full lunar eclipse, there are rare dates in sports lore where sporting events align that may create a euphoric brain frenzy! A day where you enter sports fan heaven.

If you are a Bay area sports fan, that sporting eclipse took place this last week. The boys of Summer are back in town, and the defending NBA Champion Golden State Warriors are attempting to make history, challenging The Chicago Bulls regular Season win record of 72 wins done back in 1995-96 Season. On Thursday, April 7, the Bay Area sporting schedule aligned perfectly for the fan whom had deep pockets, and the day to participate in an elite double header.

The San Francisco Giants fittingly kicked off their home opener facing prime rival, The Los Angeles Dodgers. Festivities begin as early as 5 AM at the Public House at the Corner of 3rd and King, the Willie Mays corner of AT&T Park. There are pre-game traditions Ive had the pleasure to take part in through out the years. Two of my top 3 involve Ferries. The Larkspur Giants Ferry, and the Oakland Game Ferry have to be two of the best pre-game rides in town! The third has to be Giants' Flagship opening show pre-game kick off hosted by KNBR morning ensemble, featuring 'Murph and Mac'. I am sure every group of fans have their annual traditions migrating upon At&T Park. It's an even year! Anticipation, and expectations run thick through every member of the Giants family (Players and fans, alike).

Opening home game versus the Dodgers ended up absolutely epic! The Giants came from behind to tie it up in late innings, and won with a walk off home run belted by home grown stud, Golden Glove short stop 'Don't Call Me Stamos!” Brandon Crawford. Cue Tony Bennett!

Even with the Giants opener running extra innings, it left ample time for an ultimate fan to listen enjoy the tinkling ballad of 'Leaving your heart in San Francisco' in your seat at AT&T, then happily sauntering back to Bart to catch an East Bound train over to #Roaracle Arena to capture history of Golden State Warriors to ascend as the only second team in NBA history to reach 70 wins in an 82 game Season against none other than Western Conference nemesis, San Antonio Spurs. There's nothing sweeter than attaining historic benchmarks versus the team that has quietly dominated 'Winning' since the beginning of the Millennium.

April 7^th, 2016 was an incredible day... It was stunning... April 7^th, 2016 should be framed in your mind as a perfect day in The Bay...

Whenever you see the opportunity aligning, enjoy the splendor and be witness to history in progress!

2nd Chances...

The Glory of 'March Madness' has not disappointed, drenching national head lines on every media level in the last week. As we dig out of Winter days gone by in February, the sniffing of Spring rolls in as the third month commences. Before North America ushers in Vernal Equinox, Americans young, old, educated, idle fans, avid fans, bandwagon fans, in college, alumni, and any alternative come together to participate in the greatest tournament created on US soil,  the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship. A tournament comprised of the top 64 teams aspiring to be champion. A tournament where you win, you move on... Lose, you go home.  This literally is USA's version of "World Cup". We all have our regional allegiances, based on where we grew up, where we live, or where we went to school. No other tournament on American soil pulls off such frenzy and intrigue from 'Sea to shining Sea'... Or in this case, East Coast to West Coast.

Tournament Bracket Challenges have literally gone viral in the last decade. NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Basketball tournaments have taken off!  We all pay attention to the men's side, filling out brackets, all thinking with our Regional wisdom, "We know the the upsets and 'Sure Shots!' "... Au Contraire my friends- we know Jack!!! Even ESPN's College Basketball expert, Jay Bilas is imperfect! Here we are... After kicking off the tournament on none other than St. Patrick's Day, 2 rounds in the books, and 99% of posted bracket picks are wiped out by long shot busters rising for glory that only Elle Woods, or tuned in 6th degrees of separation psychics would have picked in the initial round of play! In 2013, when Harvard stunned the field with a round 1 win, there were only 374 brackets that picked all 32 games correct out of 3.3 million brackets! That's 0.012 percent! I am sure the wins by Yale, Hawaii, Middle Tennessee, and Stephen F Austin created similar results this year.

The entertaining thought of 'Picking a winning Bracket' livens such a dormant time during American sports. The NFL just finished its championship at beginning of February, and Major League Baseball opening day isn't for another month. Thus, the collegiate national basketball tournament by default, has drawn interest from the idlest of sports fans.

ESPN has come to realize, majority of those aspiring for perfection become irrelevant within 24 hours of tournament play... Luckily, ESPN has wisely created a contest for all of us know-it-alls to  pursue 'Glory' at perfection once again... I, myself, and many other compadres whole heartedly embrace and support their empathy in creating the 'Second Chance' Bracket!

You may think women are mostly ambivalent about sports... In actuality,  there are more of us out there as competitive, and attentive, that either you overlooked, or just seem to invalidate as irrelevant... Well, my fellow sports brethren, a life long friend just created a group of such women and we are having a hoot! We look forward to entering the 2nd chance Bracket with ALL of you, and hope we persevere in our research, and hindsight! Watch out boys! 'Theee'  March Madness Hot Chicks are in it to win it!

"THEEE" National Champion!

Dear Coach Saban, we'd like to inform you there's a new god in college football...  God's country has relocated to Ohio! Urban Meyer has brought his National Championship ways to 'The' Ohio State University winning the premiere playoff era in Division I NCAA Football as the underdog. Seeded 4th in a four team playoff bracket, Ohio State executed the unthinkable, knocking off heavily favored #1 seed Alabama with a third-string quarterback and sophomore running back thrashing through D- lines like a hot knife through butter.  After halting the roll of the Alabama Tide, Ohio State mosied in to Texas' AT&T Stadium facing the 2nd seed team Oregon. There were over hyped concerns Ohio State would face defensive challenges, with the rapid no huddle offense led by 2014 Heisman winner Marcus Mariota. Fortunately, the extra days of preparation were well spent by the Buckeyes coaching staff. The sheer size discrepancy between Ohio State's defensive line and Oregon's Offensive line brought the Ducks' running option to a screeching halt! Even with four significant turnovers of OSU coughing up posession, Oregon could not capitalize versus Ohio State. Oregon, once more leaves college football's biggest show with a loss. Pac 12 has entered in to an A race with B class dog. As we shake out a better picture of College Conference power rankings, SEC has shown kinks in their armor. Ohio State's win has lifted Big 10, and Pac 12 remains teetering on the edge of greatness looking up at the power houses in the South and Midwest.

The Big 10 Conference will be a hot ticket in 2015-2016 with Jim Harbaugh leaving San Francisco 49ers for his Alma Matter, Michigan. Harbaugh brought instant recognition and viability to Stanford University Football Program (He mentored Andrew Luck, currently vying for NFL AFC Championship with Indianapolis Colts), as well as turning around the San Francisco Forty-Niners leading them to a Super Bowl appearance and two NFC Championship appearances in last four years. Coach Harbaugh walks in to Michigan dealt the task of turning around a flailing program in to a Championship contender. Michigan's number one rival? The Ohio State Buckeyes. The Big 10 conference game between Michigan and Ohio State (circle November 28 on your calendars!) just might trump ratings of any other game on the schedule! 

Coach Meyer said it best frankly following the win, in so many words expressing that their rise to become National Champions was historical, and story for the ages. Ohio State Buckeyes proved the theory literally, "Next man up!". As their starting players went down through out the 2014 Season, underclassmen stepped in to the line up and stepped up! Urban Meyer ran in to a gem in 3rd string quarterback Cardale Jones. Jones had incredible poise and no one of the 33.4 million tuning in to the game would ever have guessed that his 3rd start in his college career would be the game for all the marbles! The NCAA willingness to create a playoff system for an undisputed champion has been a success. The National Championship game had the 2nd largest viewing audience in history. I originally wrote in support for NCAA Division I College Football playoff when LSU beat Ohio State in 2007 (Will the real No. 1 Please Stand Up). Although I offered a far-fetched 16 team  (or was it more?) example, I am proud that NCAA adopted the playoffs, even with just 4 top seeds. There will always be lingering debates regarding teams left out.

Now, lets turn our attention to the real debate: the god-awful National Champion Trophy! Why did NCAA transition away from the impressive and charming crystal football? The 2015 National Champion trophy looks like something that was won at the ring toss booth at the Country Carnival. NCAA definitely needs to re-assess that choice. I would be in favor of bringing the twinkling crystal football back!

Bochy Ball 3.0

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. There's a growing love affair between San Francisco and October. "Orange October" Particles align surrounding San Francisco and baseball when the Giants make it to postseason play. Based on team numbers displayed in box scores and spread smts, 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 the latter half of 162 games! Based on a team that had challenges scoring runs , 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, and a mediocre at best starting 5 ERA amongst the Major League Baseball's best pitching, 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 coined trending tag of "Champion Blood", "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 'saddled up' and continued to pursue greatness this postseason,  going on the road as underdogs to beat Pittsburgh in a one game playoff, upset heavily favored Washington Nationals sending Strassburg and Bryce Harper to book tee times, and finally strangling hopes and aspirations among St. Louis and Kansas City players and fans. What exactly makes San Francisco persevere and seem virtually as immortal as cock roaches 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”.  Billy Bean may have perfected "Money Ball" with mastering Saber metrics, there's no comparison with the execution implemented by Brian Sabean and Bruce Bochy with "Bochy Ball" to out swindle and confuse opponents in a post season 'no script' mastery of moves establishing a mini-dynasty of World Series Championships in 2010, 2012, 2014, and possibly more.

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 Ace  (Matt Cain, season ending elbow surgery assigning starting by committee between Yusmeiro Petit, and flailing starter Tim Lincecum), an All-Star Second baseman who never recovered from shoulder and back issues (Marco Scutero showed up for one game, and Bochy pulled an all risk move calling up a kid from AA ball, Joe Panik, that has turned out to be our future full time 2nd baseman), and worst of all, the assumed 'straw that stirs the drink' went down for majority of 2nd half of Season, as well as playoffs ( Angel Pagan and his perfect flowing hair, as well as Center Field and lead off position play seemed daunting to plug, until our 'White Shark' Gregor Blanco stepped up Defense in the outfield, and sprouted leading off at the plate to keep Giants in the conversation).  Those were just a few of injuries, not to mention Mike Morse injured, Brandon Belt injured, and our clutch back up catcher, Hector Sanchez, who suffered back to back concussions, a back-to-back Cy Young Ace pitcher (Tim Lincecum's ERA blew up and seemed could not get out of the 3rd 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 Hudson became inconsistent from start to start; going from blowing up within 4 innings, to holding strong through 7, there was no assurances what pitcher was going to show up from start to start). One bright spot, and stopper the San Francisco Giants had in their back pocket was a 25 year old country strong mass of man leftie, Madison Bumgarner. Quietly, Madison amassed a 2014 winning record, only one shy of assumed Cy Young and MVP pitcher from Los Angeles Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw. 

With the San Francisco Giants NL West nemesis, Los Angeles Dodgers' money men all healthy and performing (the blockbuster trade made a year ago between Boston and Lalala land sending Beckett, Gonzalez, and Crawford to the Dodgers, seemed to be paying off with all members healthy and contributing to the impending security of the NL West title), and a pitching staff that seemed to be mystifying opposing batting orders, it was assumed Brian Sabean had been backed in to a corner to do something, to pull some blockbuster trade at the deadline.

Despite hair pulling and "Its Over!" cries made by national sports analysts, as well as local franchise supporters, Sabean pulled mystifying moves boggling minds tuned in… Acquiring a struggling Jake Peavy from defending World Champions, Boston Red Sox, and re-signing Travis Ishikawa to minor league deal. That's it! Once again, the fans and all involved took a collective deep breath, and said, "Okay, well, Let's go!".  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. The faith San Francisco organization has in its process, reminds me of a quote I've 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! It was a gem! In hindsight, After 3 World Series Championships, we should all trust GM and Bochy know not to screw with the chemistry brewing in the dugout. The combination of grit, a contagious never give up mantra, prime line up tinkering throwing out the script, a tightened up Defense, a pitching staff willing to adjust roles to get wins, were the perfect ingredients to make another 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 put a player in, 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 (his instict should be studied) recently have been calling up and starting Travis Ishikawa in Right Field (he's a natural 1st baseman, and has worked a whole 5 times in OF before this decistion, yeah.. He hit the walk off HR catapulting SF Giants in to the World Series), standing firm with Joe Panik as 2nd base, and having him hit 2nd in the Line up. 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 Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.

Once again, the pesky underdogs from San Francisco (I'd like to affectionately label 'Bochy's Roaches') are giving their opponents headaches, and unnerving frustrations. Somehow with a batting average hovering closer to .200 than .300 is beating the touted best pitching in Major Leagues. Somehow the pitching staff has figured out feared power hitters amongst MLB. How do they do that? A little bit of luck? A whole lot of faith? Well, maybe a sprinkle of those ingredients, 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! The Comissioner's trophy's back home boys! Thank you!!!

Major League decided to honor the San Francisco's run, and I believe the captured quite a bit of our essence:


http://m.mlb.com/sf/video/topic/7417714/v36881251/path-to-the-championship-san-francisco-giants/?team_id=137


I've been asked by a very close journalist friend, which World Series championship means the most, closest to my heart. Of course, we'd all like to sit on a fence with that question, and reply 'They're all great, they all carry the same weight'... We all know that is false; there is always one that stands out above the rest! I never thought 2012 would be trumped in my heart. The 2012 World Series brought out national love for a couple of my favorite baseball players I always rooted for, Barry Zito, and Sergio Romo. I never thought the clutch performances would ever equal those stellar game on the line heroics made by those two incredible underdogs on the San Francisco pitching staff. I now can say, watching Madison Bumgarner, Travis Ishikawa, Joe Panik, and the Brandons just man up on take it to whomever they were opposing, brought me to greater appreciation of baseball, and its pure diligence pursuing excellence. I teased my Dodgers friends earlier in the playoffs (jokingly) with the following phrase, "Kershaw may get you to the playoffs... Bumgarner will win you rings!" In hindsight (like Sabean, and Bochy), my words were valid!

If its an even year, and you see 'San Franscisco' as one of the teams in the playoffs... Do yourself a favor, don't ever think we have 'no chance'... You're only fueling the fire!