In Zaidi we trust - The Giants

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Had the chance to go to a couple games this week, and yikes, this team is gonna get worse before they get better. Bleak days on the horizon, shades of 2017 vibez.

former KBO MVP Jung Hoo Lee probably won't play until this time next year, maybe later (he flew to Dr. Death aka Neil ElAttrache's office for an emergency appointment today). As forgettable as his season has been, he could be a dark horse when he returns as expectations will be incredibly low... he was contributing at the same level as all the promoted River Cats who are on the roster now.

here's a quicky I did on Lee's statcast, highlighting what I, Stephen Q. Shasta, personally think is important (and not) in terms of a $20M+/yr offensive centerpiece signing:

https://i.imgur.com/SN4jj4U.png

Mrs. Ippei (Steve Shasta), Friday, 17 May 2024 04:45 (two weeks ago) link

Heard a fan sitting next to me excited about Snell's dominant rehab start... so I looked it up: 46 pitches against a bunch of teenagers with .600 OPS in single A:

https://www.milb.com/gameday/ports-vs-giants/2024/05/12/756701/final/box

Mrs. Ippei (Steve Shasta), Friday, 17 May 2024 04:50 (two weeks ago) link

well you have to build his confidence back up

i didn't realize the river cats were a giants affiliate, i thought they were an a's affiliate. makes the a's deal even weirder

, Friday, 17 May 2024 11:40 (two weeks ago) link

You’re right, they were an A’s affiliate until like 10 years ago, I’m not quite sure what happened there

brimstead, Friday, 17 May 2024 13:42 (two weeks ago) link

Giants bought it and sold the Bakersfield team. Fisher I'm sure appreciated getting $ for his minor league team like the cheapskate short sighted loser that he is

octobeard, Friday, 17 May 2024 15:53 (two weeks ago) link

Lee out for the year :-(

brimstead, Friday, 17 May 2024 22:33 (two weeks ago) link

Yeah I expected that after Trevor Story’s injury. Terrible.

Roman Anthony gets on his horse (gyac), Friday, 17 May 2024 22:42 (two weeks ago) link

Jung Hoo Lee said the last month and a half has been the time of his life playing with the Giants. 😢

— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) May 17, 2024

Roman Anthony gets on his horse (gyac), Friday, 17 May 2024 22:55 (two weeks ago) link

Was expecting that news. Goddammit can we have nice things again? Is this what we get for jackpotting three WS titles as crazy good luck underdogs?

octobeard, Friday, 17 May 2024 22:58 (two weeks ago) link

The baseball gods only provided for :
- Zito to pitch the game of his life in the NLCS
- Matt Cain to absorb endless thankless innings in the early years, pitch a perfect game and be an unflappable postseason co-ace
- five years of Tim Lincecum before his body fell apart & his unreal 2012 postseason reliever pitching
- Jonathan Sanchez flashing bright for that one no hitter and winning the last game of the 2010 season
- Buster Posey
- the Brandons
- and ofc, the core four

They didn’t provide for Mays, McCovey, Marichal, Will the Thrill, Bonds etc to win anything, so they are probably like, eh you’ve tapped it for a while, spend it on something better than a young guy’s shoulder.

But yeah, it sucks. Torn labrum is a definite season-ender and they can’t fuck around with that.

Roman Anthony gets on his horse (gyac), Friday, 17 May 2024 23:05 (two weeks ago) link

I would add:
- Cody Ross 2 HR game vs "Fresh off a No Hitter" Roy Halladay (Sorry Doc!)
- Juan Uribe's only career opposite field HR being the NLCS game 6 winner
- Tim Lincecum 1st inning brain fart not leading to runs scored in 2010
- Ball bouncing off outfield wall in game 2 of the 2010 World Series back into play
- Vogelsong's 2012 post season run (and his overall 2nd stint performance for 2 years) - he was so absolutely clutch in every game he started, his performances were pivotal in each and every series, most overlooked "EYBS/baseball god magic" player of the whole run imho
- Morse's pinch hit 8th inning HR and Ishikawa's walk off HR in 2014 NLCS game 5 to win it
- Replay being in existence for the first season in 2014 when we needed it for that game 7 double play call
- Bum being Bum in game 7
- KC not scoring in the 9th on that hit and error in 2014 game 7
- The insanity of the comeback in Game 3 of the Wild Card series vs the Cubs (Gillespie triple ftw!)

I will agree a lot of that makes up for the 60's and late 80's teams along with the Bonds era. So much bad luck in '62 and 2002 with the Marlins and Mets gutting out weird wins over us. It was so sweet being the team that had that "magic"... it just felt like we had some spiritual momentum on our side.

octobeard, Friday, 17 May 2024 23:38 (two weeks ago) link

- Craw grand slam in the ‘14 wild card game

brimstead, Friday, 17 May 2024 23:40 (two weeks ago) link

Pablo Sandoval 3 home run game in 2012 World Series

Bee OK, Friday, 17 May 2024 23:47 (two weeks ago) link

I'm sad today but these posts were a great pick me up.

Bee OK, Friday, 17 May 2024 23:47 (two weeks ago) link

that five year run was special and we'll likely never sniff anything like it again in our lifetimes.

I Chet the Holmgren (Spottie), Friday, 17 May 2024 23:49 (two weeks ago) link

I wasn’t even there for it! And some teams have never been there.

- Tim Lincecum’s two very different no hitters.
- Bruce Bochy

Roman Anthony gets on his horse (gyac), Saturday, 18 May 2024 00:01 (two weeks ago) link

Octobeard I only just saw your post!

Morse's pinch hit 8th inning HR and Ishikawa's walk off HR in 2014 NLCS game 5 to win it


Baggarly’s description of the latter remains some of my favourite baseball writing ever.

Ishikawa reacted. He kept his front shoulder closed, whistled his bat through the zone, and felt the connection. There was no need to hope as he watched the ball shrink up into the stars, only the need to run. He knew he’d gotten enough of it, that at least the ball would hit the brick arcade and the winning run would score. When Ishikawa saw the ball clank off the green metal roof atop the right-field arcade, he let out a yell that nobody could hear but him. Morse’s decibel record in China Basin lasted all of one inning. The Giants won the pennant, and Ishikawa’s three-run home run clinched it in a 6–3 victory.


Seriously that line about the ball disappearing into the stars is art to me.

Roman Anthony gets on his horse (gyac), Saturday, 18 May 2024 00:06 (two weeks ago) link

Lee's replacement Luis Matos had 5 RBIs tonight. Lee had tallied 8 over his seven week MLB career.

Mrs. Ippei (Steve Shasta), Saturday, 18 May 2024 05:57 (two weeks ago) link

Who are these guys, tho it does help that it's the Rockies.

Bee OK, Saturday, 18 May 2024 23:31 (two weeks ago) link

Luis Matos in his 26 at bats so far these two games. 10 hits, 4 runs, 2 home runs, 17 RBI, .385 Ave and 1.116 OPS with two home run robbing catches.

Bee OK, Saturday, 18 May 2024 23:41 (two weeks ago) link

I'm a little off as it's 17 this year, not in these two games.

Remember where you were on the day Luis Matos drove in SIX runs in one game and 11 total in two games pic.twitter.com/YnnE5Qp0S2

— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) May 18, 2024

Bee OK, Saturday, 18 May 2024 23:46 (two weeks ago) link

Baggarly’s description of the latter remains some of my favourite baseball writing ever.

I've said it before, probably in this thread, but no lie, I watch Ishikawa's HR probably 3-4 times a year when I'm down.

I should have mentioned I was at game 2 of the 2010 WS in the left center bleachers and watched that crazy ball bounce off the fence about 30 feet in front of me. It was the most surreal fucking thing ever...

Pablo Sandoval 3 home run game in 2012 World Series

Justin Verlander's "WOW" is visualized in my head now. I wasn't at this game but was at Pedro's across the street and I recall standing ON THE BAR for the third home run, and I don't recall being the only one doing so. It was a madhouse of euphoria. We felt invincible! Just recalling all of this gives me shivers.

octobeard, Sunday, 19 May 2024 00:30 (two weeks ago) link

Watched the end of today's game. Matos and Ramos look GREAT and I am really really hoping our home growns can stay productive and give this team the heart beat it sorely needs.

octobeard, Sunday, 19 May 2024 00:31 (two weeks ago) link

that five year run was special and we'll likely never sniff anything like it again in our lifetimes.

Absolutely. I felt that at the time, and by 2014, especially with Bum ending things the way he did, appreciated the impossible magic of every single moment. We knew we were watching history in that moment in real time. I feel lucky to have just been so close to it, living in the city when it happened in my early 30's, the prime of my life. I have so so so many stories, memories, friendships and even relationships/flings that seemingly sprouted from that magical era and its many celebrations. A brick along the outside of the ballpark shares my grandfather's, father's and my name on it. Took my father to that 2010 WS game 2. After they won I kinda felt he could now die happy and at peace (he'd been a Giants fan since they moved to SF, has a ticket stub of the first game at Seal Stadium in the Mission). That run affected the city in a profoundly positive way and the team's personalities, quirks, eccentricities and underdog status seemingly perfectly mirrored the city at the time. As bleak as things might get for the team in the decades to come, I'll always have those memories of both the team and SF. I was around for the Niners in the 80's/90's and the Warriors dynasty but the Giants run was like nothing else. Usually dynasties dominate, define greatness. Feel unstoppable. But this was an improbable dynasty. A dynasty of upsets. A dynasty of surprises and magic moments. I can't think of an equivalent in any other sport.

I'm sad today but these posts were a great pick me up.

Hell yeah. Just writing this out has picked me up too. Such amazing times. Much love.

octobeard, Sunday, 19 May 2024 00:47 (two weeks ago) link

I hope to have a beer with you one day octobeard, such great posts.

I was sad about Jung Hoo Lee injury news and not my personal life on that particular day, just to be clear. But these Giants posts were magical. Thanks everyone!

I'm back down here in the OC but I moved to San Francisco in '95 and at that time could cate less about sports. Started watching Steve Young, at the end of his career, but it was Barry Bonds who changed everything. I started watching the Giants in 2000, was crushed in 2002 but 2003 was actually more heartbreaking. In the end it took me 11 years to get my championship. Then there were 3 in 5 years.

Bee OK, Sunday, 19 May 2024 01:20 (two weeks ago) link

I would like that! LMK next time you're in the city. I always appreciate how regularly you post in this thread too.

Hopefully these guys can pick things up after finally winning 3 in a row and I'm sure JHL will come back with a vengeance next year.

octobeard, Sunday, 19 May 2024 01:43 (two weeks ago) link

Yesterday the Giants had there first three wins in a row, today it's four. They also, finally, swept a team. Even if it's the Rockies, they generally have issues against them.

Bee OK, Sunday, 19 May 2024 22:41 (two weeks ago) link

might catch a game at candlestick park next month. any tips, things to check out, etc.?

, Thursday, 23 May 2024 18:34 (one week ago) link

Candlestick Park? Can you let me borrow your time machine?

or are you referring to 24 Willie Mays Plaza and newly christened LED Spotlight Park?

octobeard, Thursday, 23 May 2024 18:49 (one week ago) link

dang what a series. insane 8th inning.

brimstead, Thursday, 23 May 2024 19:43 (one week ago) link

Matt Chapman is on fire. Good series

Bee OK, Thursday, 23 May 2024 19:54 (one week ago) link

Well shit, I missed today's game (east coast day games are hard to follow) and just saw the crooked number in the 8th there. That's about as insane as Tuesday's game. Okay maybe this team is more resilient than I thought and my fan resolve is a house of cards in a wind storm

octobeard, Thursday, 23 May 2024 20:06 (one week ago) link

Patrick Bailey!

Bee OK, Saturday, 25 May 2024 01:24 (one week ago) link

How much I love you

Bee OK, Saturday, 25 May 2024 01:24 (one week ago) link

So, right now, no one in baseball is playing better than Matt Chapman. I finally see why they signed him.

Bee OK, Saturday, 25 May 2024 02:22 (one week ago) link

.500

First time this year

Bee OK, Saturday, 25 May 2024 03:39 (one week ago) link

They're pretty good against teams not named the Dodgers and Phillies

octobeard, Saturday, 25 May 2024 07:43 (one week ago) link

does this team play any boring games y/n

mookieproof, Sunday, 26 May 2024 20:00 (one week ago) link

Yes you just haven’t watched any of them

Roman Anthony gets on his horse (gyac), Sunday, 26 May 2024 20:11 (one week ago) link

i see

mookieproof, Sunday, 26 May 2024 20:12 (one week ago) link

I forget when announcer Duane Kuiper first stated his "Giants Baseball... Torture" line, maybe as early as 2002 but definitely in the 2010s...

Mrs. Ippei (Steve Shasta), Sunday, 26 May 2024 23:17 (one week ago) link

SFGate says 2010.

Mrs. Ippei (Steve Shasta), Sunday, 26 May 2024 23:18 (one week ago) link

The most galling defeat came under dark and drizzling skies at Petco Park on April 20. Jonathan Sanchez dominated the Padres, holding them to one hit while striking out 10 in seven innings. But the Giants were just as stymied by Mat Latos, a hulking right-hander with platinum blond hair and a hard fastball that traveled straight downhill. The Giants managed just four hits in his seven innings, none of them coming at opportune times in a 1–0 loss. It was the 29th time the Giants held an opponent to one hit or fewer in a nine-inning game in their San Francisco era. It was the first time in those 53 seasons that they lost. “I can’t say I’ve been in a game like this,” said Bochy, who remained stoic in front of the press but began spewing blue language as soon as the reporters filed out of his office. “No way we should’ve lost tonight’s game.” A day later, broadcaster Duane Kuiper continued to ruminate on all the unbelievably wasted opportunities in the 1–0 loss—including a leadoff triple from Nate Schierholtz in the eighth inning—and he opened the telecast with a quick recap. Then he stared into the camera and used the only word he could to summarize the situation. “Giants baseball,” he said. One beat. Two beats. “Torture.”

Roman Anthony gets on his horse (gyac), Sunday, 26 May 2024 23:26 (one week ago) link

Nothin like it!

brimstead, Sunday, 26 May 2024 23:37 (one week ago) link

I remember that game and watched it live. It was as brutal as described. It's amusing how viral the "torture" line became after, and I feel Grant Brisbee, with his McCovey Chronicles blog and forum at the time, fueled its popularity and cult status.

octobeard, Monday, 27 May 2024 17:03 (six days ago) link

Speaking of torture, this last question in the mailbagg (over something I hadn’t noticed) made me laugh:

Hey Baggs, it looks like the Giants changed their base hit ‘celebration’ from a motion that resembles pulling a hood or mask over the head and zippering the mouth to a simple salute. Couple of questions: Why the change? Why the salute? Was the first celebration an homage to Pat Burrell’s appearance as The Machine? — Michael H.

I have no idea what you’re talking about. Who is The Machine?

Roman Anthony gets on his horse (gyac), Monday, 27 May 2024 17:29 (six days ago) link

This team is on fire and so much fun to watch.

I have probably jink it.

Bee OK, Tuesday, 28 May 2024 00:36 (five days ago) link

When this team went on their 10 game road trip through Boston, Philadelphia and Colorado it was gloom and doom. They were a bad team, But something happened and they are coming together. Playing the best teams in the league with the Phillies and Yankees coming into town will prove if this team is real or not.

Bee OK, Tuesday, 28 May 2024 00:41 (five days ago) link

LaMonte Wade Jr. hamstring injury is a huge loss

Bee OK, Wednesday, 29 May 2024 01:57 (four days ago) link


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