by April showers usually bring May flowers, and in the case of the San Francisco Giants’ top two pitching prospects, it also meant an inevitable promotion to Double-A Connecticut, once the flowers began to bloom.
Talk to any scout around and they will tell you the best way to gauge a legitimate prospect is to see how they handle the jump from High Class A to Double-A.
Don’t tell that to Madison Bumgarner, Tim Alderson, or Brandon Crawford.
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Saturday, May 30, 2009
Giants May Prospect Report: Bumgarner and Alderson Dominating Double-A
Friday, May 29, 2009
Outreach of Hope: The Dave Dravecky Story—The Relay for Life Pt. 2
by Blaine Spence
Dave Dravecky made his major-league debut with the San Diego Padres on June 15, 1982.
The left-handed Dravecky pitched 105 innings his rookie year, posting an ERA of 2.57.In Dravecky’s sophomore year, he was named to Major League Baseball’s All-Star game and pitched two scoreless innings while striking out George Brett and Fred Lynn.
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Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Randy Johnson is the Newest Member Of The 300 Club, But Not The Last
by John Cate
On June 18, 1986, the California Angels’ Don Sutton became the last 300-game winner in the history of Major League Baseball when he threw a complete game three-hitter to beat the Texas Rangers, 5-1.
Or at least that’s what they said at the time…
Unfortunately, I don’t have the article anymore, but there was a piece that ran in Baseball Digest right about this time, in which the author claimed that Sutton would be the last pitcher to ever achieve this feat. Other articles appeared in print right after it happened, making similar statements.
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Wednesday, May 20, 2009
With Manny Ramirez Gone, the Giants Must Close the Gap
by Andrew Nuschler
Much has been made of Manny Ramirez's suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs, and rightfully so. When one of Major League Baseball's most prominent stars embroils himself in the game's biggest scandal, it figures to get a lot of run in the media.
If you listen closely to the static, somewhere in all the volume are whispers about how the revelation benefits no team more than our beloved San Francisco Giants—about how the 50-game hiatus for Manny has saved the Orange and Black season.
To a degree, the whispers are appropriate.
The Bay Area's favorite franchise has assembled a supremely flawed unit for the 2009 campaign. If the Gents were a sprinter in training, the pitching staff would be the legs and the hitters would be the damn parachute creating drag.
If you listen closely to the static, somewhere in all the volume are whispers about how the revelation benefits no team more than our beloved San Francisco Giants—about how the 50-game hiatus for Manny has saved the Orange and Black season.
To a degree, the whispers are appropriate.
The Bay Area's favorite franchise has assembled a supremely flawed unit for the 2009 campaign. If the Gents were a sprinter in training, the pitching staff would be the legs and the hitters would be the damn parachute creating drag.
Read Full Story
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Blog Offers Gear and Accessories to Enhance Your Experience When Watching MLB Games
MLB fans all over the country love their MLB teams so much that they virtually fund a whole sub-industry over and above supporting the game of MLB – that is of course the retail of MLB Shop, related merchandise. MLB memorabilia, gear, and accessories is a billion dollar a year industry – that’s a lot of money for a game to generate.
When fans watch MLB games, it’s obvious that people enjoy the experience quite a lot. What’s there not to like? There are hotdogs, soda, peanuts, candy, beer, pretzels, and a whole lot more treats to be had. Then of course there’s the MLB game itself, the players, the action, the adrenaline rush of watching your favourite team and cheering yourself hoarse to try and will them to victory. All those things are enough reason to love going to MLB games, but of course, there’s more out there that can enhance the experience for you as a fan. That is where MLB merchandise comes in.
MLB merchandise’s sole purpose is to enhance the fan’s feeling of connection with the game, most especially their favourite team. Good thing there’s a place online, like diehardfans.com that can provide you with accessories, gift items, and even jewelry, that is dedicated to MLB.
MLB Accessories
What makes MLB accessories fun for people? For one, it makes fans feel like part of a group, a community. It gives them a sense of camaraderie when they are together with fellow fans. And nothing makes a fan happier than displaying their team allegiances for everyone to see. Fortunately, you can get a whole range of MLB accessories from the site.
Here are a few samples:
You can add a dash of team spirit when you come to the office wearing a tie that features your favourite club. Why not drive down to the office wearing officially licensed team sunglasses with matching soft carry case? If you’re more on the techie side, there are even team color-coordinated iPod and mobile phone protectors available. And for the ladies, there are nice little velvet pouches with team logos where you can organize and carry all your girly stuff, and then safely tuck it into your bag.
To complete your ensemble, there are all sorts of cool MLB accessories such as belt buckles, key chains, lighters, and even stationery such as pads and penholders. Not only will you be getting quality accessories, you’ll be showing everyone just how much you love the game and your team.
MLB gifts
MLB related items are great as gifts too. For a Die Hard Fan, nothing beats getting MLB gifts, no matter what the occasion is. Imagine this, a team themed holiday tree, with MLB game related presents!
For the kids, there is back-to-school gifts such as lunch boxes with their favourite ball club or favourite player displayed up front. For the MLB fan with a flair for interior decorating, there are some nice decorative items available such as 3D tabletop ornaments of team logos, bobble-head dolls of your favourite players, and even some nice and sparkling fiber-optic laser ornaments. And of course, for the MLB fan who loves collecting memorabilia and collectibles, there are a host of choices that will make you salivate with glee. You can have everything you can possibly think of, from mini replica helmets to trinket boxes with logos. For more serious collectors who would like to invest in high value memorabilia, there’s a fine collection of minted items such as commemorative coins, championship coins, and photo mints of your favourite players. These last items come in limited editions that will surely be more valuable after a few years.
MLB jewelry
If all that is not enough, then maybe you’d like to take a gander at the available jewelry – yes there is a jewelry section on the site and it offers a rich assortment of items that can be used to accent most anything you can find in your wardrobe. You’ll be surprised to find our MLB jewelry encompasses toe rings, bracelets, necklaces, and even classy leather and silver watches for both men and women.
If you want to impress your girl, who you know is also an avid MLB fan, a pair of earrings that bears her favorite team’s logo is sure to impress. You can even tell her that in fact, the pair you gave is made from authentic jewelry grade silver (in some cases at least). Or better yet, get a complete set - everything from toe ring, bracelet, necklace, and watch to complete her team look when you go to that next game you have planned for the weekend. There’s also a great selection of watches for the guys, in almost all styles imaginable.
When fans watch MLB games, it’s obvious that people enjoy the experience quite a lot. What’s there not to like? There are hotdogs, soda, peanuts, candy, beer, pretzels, and a whole lot more treats to be had. Then of course there’s the MLB game itself, the players, the action, the adrenaline rush of watching your favourite team and cheering yourself hoarse to try and will them to victory. All those things are enough reason to love going to MLB games, but of course, there’s more out there that can enhance the experience for you as a fan. That is where MLB merchandise comes in.
MLB merchandise’s sole purpose is to enhance the fan’s feeling of connection with the game, most especially their favourite team. Good thing there’s a place online, like diehardfans.com that can provide you with accessories, gift items, and even jewelry, that is dedicated to MLB.
MLB Accessories
What makes MLB accessories fun for people? For one, it makes fans feel like part of a group, a community. It gives them a sense of camaraderie when they are together with fellow fans. And nothing makes a fan happier than displaying their team allegiances for everyone to see. Fortunately, you can get a whole range of MLB accessories from the site.Here are a few samples:
You can add a dash of team spirit when you come to the office wearing a tie that features your favourite club. Why not drive down to the office wearing officially licensed team sunglasses with matching soft carry case? If you’re more on the techie side, there are even team color-coordinated iPod and mobile phone protectors available. And for the ladies, there are nice little velvet pouches with team logos where you can organize and carry all your girly stuff, and then safely tuck it into your bag.
To complete your ensemble, there are all sorts of cool MLB accessories such as belt buckles, key chains, lighters, and even stationery such as pads and penholders. Not only will you be getting quality accessories, you’ll be showing everyone just how much you love the game and your team.
MLB gifts
MLB related items are great as gifts too. For a Die Hard Fan, nothing beats getting MLB gifts, no matter what the occasion is. Imagine this, a team themed holiday tree, with MLB game related presents!For the kids, there is back-to-school gifts such as lunch boxes with their favourite ball club or favourite player displayed up front. For the MLB fan with a flair for interior decorating, there are some nice decorative items available such as 3D tabletop ornaments of team logos, bobble-head dolls of your favourite players, and even some nice and sparkling fiber-optic laser ornaments. And of course, for the MLB fan who loves collecting memorabilia and collectibles, there are a host of choices that will make you salivate with glee. You can have everything you can possibly think of, from mini replica helmets to trinket boxes with logos. For more serious collectors who would like to invest in high value memorabilia, there’s a fine collection of minted items such as commemorative coins, championship coins, and photo mints of your favourite players. These last items come in limited editions that will surely be more valuable after a few years.
MLB jewelry
If all that is not enough, then maybe you’d like to take a gander at the available jewelry – yes there is a jewelry section on the site and it offers a rich assortment of items that can be used to accent most anything you can find in your wardrobe. You’ll be surprised to find our MLB jewelry encompasses toe rings, bracelets, necklaces, and even classy leather and silver watches for both men and women. If you want to impress your girl, who you know is also an avid MLB fan, a pair of earrings that bears her favorite team’s logo is sure to impress. You can even tell her that in fact, the pair you gave is made from authentic jewelry grade silver (in some cases at least). Or better yet, get a complete set - everything from toe ring, bracelet, necklace, and watch to complete her team look when you go to that next game you have planned for the weekend. There’s also a great selection of watches for the guys, in almost all styles imaginable.
Monday, May 11, 2009
With Great Pitching Comes Bad Offense: The Problem with the San Francisco Giants
by Michael Botar
Following the Giants for decades now seems like they either have the pitching or offense. On the thing that always lacked the Giants was great pitching to get them to the promise land. Now it seems they have one if not the best rotations in baseball but have no offense.
This lineup is mediocre at best. The bright spots have been Benji Molina and rookie sensation or should say veteran Pablo Sandoval.
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This lineup is mediocre at best. The bright spots have been Benji Molina and rookie sensation or should say veteran Pablo Sandoval.
Read Full Story
Giants eat smarter, not harder
by Andrew Baggarly
SAN FRANCISCO -- It's a major league tradition: When an angry manager wants to grab his players' attention, he makes a mess of the postgame dinner buffet.
If Giants manager Bruce Bochy tips the spread this season, fruit and organic vegetables will take flight.
Nutrition was among the many areas Giants trainers, coaches and front-office executives re-evaluated over the winter. As a result, players are ordering from the light menu this season.
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San Francisco Giants: A MLB Low 102 Runs Scored, Yet Record Over .500
by Andy Bensch
Despite being over .500 (15-14) coming into today's series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers, much has been stated about the San Francisco Giants' anemic offense.
Granted the Orange & Black are 26th in average, 29th in slugging, 29th in on base percentage, 28th in doubles, 29th in hits, and last in both home runs and runs scored, they are still one game over .500 and in second place in the wide open National League West.
Manny Ramirez has been suspended for 50 games and the Giants have a chance to take two-out-of-three in their only series against their hated rivals while Ramirez serves his suspension.
Now, San Francisco is still without a round tripper from their first-base position, which is primarily a power position in most big league lineups. Travis Ishikawa who has manned the first base position for 22 of the Giants' 29 games this season has hit just .191 with no home runs, only three extra base hits and is slugging an atrocious .250.
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Granted the Orange & Black are 26th in average, 29th in slugging, 29th in on base percentage, 28th in doubles, 29th in hits, and last in both home runs and runs scored, they are still one game over .500 and in second place in the wide open National League West.
Manny Ramirez has been suspended for 50 games and the Giants have a chance to take two-out-of-three in their only series against their hated rivals while Ramirez serves his suspension.
Now, San Francisco is still without a round tripper from their first-base position, which is primarily a power position in most big league lineups. Travis Ishikawa who has manned the first base position for 22 of the Giants' 29 games this season has hit just .191 with no home runs, only three extra base hits and is slugging an atrocious .250.
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Why Giants Fans Need to Be Patient
by Cole Marchetti
Whenever someone mentions the phrase "rebuilding year," bad memories from the Niners' and Raiders' almost decade long stints at rebuilding are what come to mind, but fans must realize that that is what this year is for the San Francisco Giants.
The Giants have a roster full of players fresh out of the farm system for the first time in a long time, some with no more than a full seasons' worth of experience (see Emmanuel Burriss and Pablo Sandoval).
It is a new era for the Giants, one that is long-past due. No more is the team made of veterans past their prime (see Moises Alou and Armando Benitez), or veterans on the cusp of their prime making a quick pit-stop with the team (see Jose Cruz Jr. and Kenny Lofton).
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The Giants have a roster full of players fresh out of the farm system for the first time in a long time, some with no more than a full seasons' worth of experience (see Emmanuel Burriss and Pablo Sandoval).
It is a new era for the Giants, one that is long-past due. No more is the team made of veterans past their prime (see Moises Alou and Armando Benitez), or veterans on the cusp of their prime making a quick pit-stop with the team (see Jose Cruz Jr. and Kenny Lofton).
Read Full Story
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