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Two Things of Note
Oct. 1st, 2024 07:03 amPete Rose died. My feelings on Rose are not particularly complicated. I admire his athletic feats, especially because they came from effort rather than natural talent.
However: he bet on baseball. As a player, and as a manager. He lied about it, and lied about lying about it. He only came clean when the lies were exposed. That not only tarnished the game, but may have affected the outcomes. He claimed he only bet to win. But if you don’t bet on a day when you think you can win, you give that information to the bookies. There’s also the persistent temptation to save effort (or players, as manager) for another day when you are betting.
Sensational deeds, banned from baseball and blackballed from the Hall of Fame for cause.
The Giants fired Farhan Zaidi as general manager. Not surprising, since he has underwhelmed except for the one record year where everybody overachieved. I do find it surprising that Buster Posey is taking his place (albeit as "Head of Baseball Operations", which seems to be the new trend instead of GM). I wouldn't have picked Posey as someone with the background/experience to succeed in this role that is dramatically different from a player - but I hope I am wrong.
However: he bet on baseball. As a player, and as a manager. He lied about it, and lied about lying about it. He only came clean when the lies were exposed. That not only tarnished the game, but may have affected the outcomes. He claimed he only bet to win. But if you don’t bet on a day when you think you can win, you give that information to the bookies. There’s also the persistent temptation to save effort (or players, as manager) for another day when you are betting.
Sensational deeds, banned from baseball and blackballed from the Hall of Fame for cause.
The Giants fired Farhan Zaidi as general manager. Not surprising, since he has underwhelmed except for the one record year where everybody overachieved. I do find it surprising that Buster Posey is taking his place (albeit as "Head of Baseball Operations", which seems to be the new trend instead of GM). I wouldn't have picked Posey as someone with the background/experience to succeed in this role that is dramatically different from a player - but I hope I am wrong.
What we did this weekend
Sep. 8th, 2024 05:07 pmWe flew to San Diego for a quick getaway. I know we went to Italy a few months ago, but this was a somewhat spur-of-the-moment weekend vacation.
( Read more... )
( Read more... )
(no subject)
Jun. 19th, 2024 08:04 amI never got to see Willie Mays play. Nor did I ever interact with him. But he loomed large in Giants history, and I did see him a number of times from a distance - at the ballpark a number of times, and at the 2010 World Series victory parade. Had I gotten to speak with him, I probably would have stammered something like "It's an honor to meet you."
Sleep well, Say Hey Kid. You were the best.
Sleep well, Say Hey Kid. You were the best.
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Jun. 4th, 2024 01:34 pmI am pleased that MLB banned a player for life for betting on baseball - the first since Pete Rose. That rule is posted prominently in every clubhouse and is well known. He has no excuse.
I am surprised, however, because the players' union has routinely blocked major punishments other times that the rules have been flagrantly broken. (See: Trashtros and Red Sox for their sign-stealing.)
ETA: It's not entirely fair to blame the players' union for the whole thing. The commissioner hasn't had a spine either in acting "in the best interests of baseball" - because if he did, the union would strike and the owners would fire him.
I am surprised, however, because the players' union has routinely blocked major punishments other times that the rules have been flagrantly broken. (See: Trashtros and Red Sox for their sign-stealing.)
ETA: It's not entirely fair to blame the players' union for the whole thing. The commissioner hasn't had a spine either in acting "in the best interests of baseball" - because if he did, the union would strike and the owners would fire him.
(no subject)
Oct. 25th, 2023 08:11 amBob Melvin is a safe hire as manager for the Giants. He's generally well-respected, was Manager of the Year three times Ed: two with the A's, is a Bay Area native, and played for the Giants. So he should be popular with fans and the press. He's also fine with the stats-driven platooning that the A's and current management of the Giants espouse.
So not a bad hire. But a safe one. Melvin will stay the course and not challenge management - but it may be that forcing a change is what is actually needed for the team to prosper.
So not a bad hire. But a safe one. Melvin will stay the course and not challenge management - but it may be that forcing a change is what is actually needed for the team to prosper.
(no subject)
Oct. 12th, 2023 10:42 amFor the second year in a row, we didn't go to any Giants games. They were uninspiring and mediocre. I still count myself a fan, but I haven't had any desire to follow them. The local newspaper not carrying game writeups doesn't help with that lack of connection.
But I am still pleased to see the Dodgers bounced in the first round. BEAT L.A.! (Now Bochy's Rangers just need to take care of the Trashtros.)
But I am still pleased to see the Dodgers bounced in the first round. BEAT L.A.! (Now Bochy's Rangers just need to take care of the Trashtros.)
(no subject)
Jul. 13th, 2023 08:49 amSapporo is shutting Anchor Brewing. This saddens me, but I generally stopped buying their beer when they ceased being a craft brewer. Regardless of what they're saying about it losing money, I don't think it was ever a good fit and they undoubtedly overpaid. Sapporo wasn't a victim of circumstance (i.e. COVID and lower SF visits) so much as they documentably mismanaged the brand and the workforce.
It's possible someone will buy the brand to resuscitate it, but it doesn't seem that likely. Our weird and antiquated distribution laws make it hard to succeed unless the beer company is very small or very large.
I agree with an SF Comicle columnist: "Buying an Anchor at a Giants game was the only time I never thought to complain about beer prices, and it was always hard to drink just one."
It's possible someone will buy the brand to resuscitate it, but it doesn't seem that likely. Our weird and antiquated distribution laws make it hard to succeed unless the beer company is very small or very large.
I agree with an SF Comicle columnist: "Buying an Anchor at a Giants game was the only time I never thought to complain about beer prices, and it was always hard to drink just one."
The Church of Baseball
Jun. 18th, 2023 10:37 amWe bought tickets at the local cinema for a 12:30 showing of Bull Durham yesterday. The plan was to watch a fun baseball movie, have a beer or two and some mediocre food, and enjoy a couple hours out.
Instead, when we arrived, the place was closed. They apparently had a broken water main, and claimed they had sent out an e-mail Friday evening. (Although at least two other people were there for the show and none of them had seen it either.)
Disappointed, we walked most of the way home and had lunch at a Southern cafe we'd been thinking about. It was okay but not what we were looking forward to.
Instead, when we arrived, the place was closed. They apparently had a broken water main, and claimed they had sent out an e-mail Friday evening. (Although at least two other people were there for the show and none of them had seen it either.)
Disappointed, we walked most of the way home and had lunch at a Southern cafe we'd been thinking about. It was okay but not what we were looking forward to.
"Is this a fucking joke?"
Jun. 16th, 2023 08:55 amI am disappointed to see the Athletics leave, but only as a baseball fan. As a Bay Area resident, I am thrilled that Oakland did not choose to pony up billions of taxpayer funds for a miserly billionaire team owner who does nothing for the community. (They're still paying off the ill-advised Al Davis ransom note. And how did that turn out for them?)
Las Vegas, Fisher is your problem now.
Las Vegas, Fisher is your problem now.
(no subject)
Nov. 2nd, 2022 11:28 amThe Trashtros' pitcher last night became the first pitcher in major league history to give up five home runs in one game in the post-season. Not just in the history of the World Series, but the entire post-season.
Normally a manager will yank his pitcher before that happens as it becomes obvious he isn't throwing effectively. But this is Dusty Baker, who has a substantial documented history of leaving pitchers in too long.
I don't have anything against Baker... but there is a certain amount of anticipated schadenfreude should he come up short of winning a World Series yet again.
Normally a manager will yank his pitcher before that happens as it becomes obvious he isn't throwing effectively. But this is Dusty Baker, who has a substantial documented history of leaving pitchers in too long.
I don't have anything against Baker... but there is a certain amount of anticipated schadenfreude should he come up short of winning a World Series yet again.
Farewell, Demp
Nov. 4th, 2021 10:58 amI had heard rumors that Buster Posey planned on retiring after this season. I don't blame him for wanting to hang it up while he is still in good health - catchers take a lot of wear from the squat, as well as possible concussions from foul tips or over-swung bats. Even if the Giants didn't win another World Series, he's going out on a high note.
I hope to see him inducted into the Hall of Fame in five years, and for the Giants to retire his number. He's earned his retirement and family time.
I hope to see him inducted into the Hall of Fame in five years, and for the Giants to retire his number. He's earned his retirement and family time.
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Oct. 15th, 2021 06:46 amWe could not beat LA... and the umpires. (To be clear, I don't think the umpires were bought - they just made a lot of bad calls.)
Go Braves and Ed:Red Sox! Although if it (shudder) comes down to it, I will root for the loathed Dodgers over the Trashtros. Because while the Dodgers are bums, they aren't dirty stinking cheaters.
Ed: I was reminded that the Red Sox also cheated, when Cora came over from the Trashtros and set up a similar system. Screw the AL.
Go Braves and Ed:
Ed: I was reminded that the Red Sox also cheated, when Cora came over from the Trashtros and set up a similar system. Screw the AL.
(no subject)
Oct. 11th, 2021 07:22 amI have totally come around to the idea of robo-umpires calling balls and strikes. Saturday's game against LA was a prime example of why it is needed -- even the national announcers, who aren't supposed to comment when the umps get it blatantly wrong, referred to the number of pitches well off the plate called as strikes. The only slight positive was that he seemed to be calling them on both teams.
Teams should not have to scout umpires before a game to determine a strike zone. Enforce the one in the rulebook. If you don't like that one, make a change to the rules.
Teams should not have to scout umpires before a game to determine a strike zone. Enforce the one in the rulebook. If you don't like that one, make a change to the rules.
(no subject)
Sep. 14th, 2021 09:52 amMy local professional society, to which I am forced to belong and pay dues every year, held an in-person event yesterday. They rented one of the suites for a Giants game. I still had to pay for tickets, but it was a deeply discounted rate. So, what the heck - I signed up. Might as well get some use out of the group.
This was billed as a networking event and each person could only bring one guest/client. I signed up the wife under her graphic design firm name. It wasn't even lying: I am in fact responsible for her investments. I had to chat a bit with people who insisted on networking, but mostly we watched the game as that's what we were there for. The suite was a recent renovation of the worst views available on that level, in left field right by the foul pole. You can't see all of the field from there. But hey, we sat outside and got to watch the game.
The Giants trounced the Padres and clinched the playoffs, becoming the first team this year to do so. I am very tired today but I am glad we were there to see it.
This was billed as a networking event and each person could only bring one guest/client. I signed up the wife under her graphic design firm name. It wasn't even lying: I am in fact responsible for her investments. I had to chat a bit with people who insisted on networking, but mostly we watched the game as that's what we were there for. The suite was a recent renovation of the worst views available on that level, in left field right by the foul pole. You can't see all of the field from there. But hey, we sat outside and got to watch the game.
The Giants trounced the Padres and clinched the playoffs, becoming the first team this year to do so. I am very tired today but I am glad we were there to see it.
A's for Effort
Jul. 21st, 2021 08:24 amIt's abundantly clear that the A's ownership were never negotiating in good faith. Negotiating is not "give me what I want". (Except in Congress, where bipartisanship is defined as "you agree with me." But that's a different rant.) The A's were never really interested in a new ballpark except with all the subsidies and free stuff they've been demanding from the start. Their proposed location is terrible - next door to a metal-crushing plant and in the path of a thriving commercial port. As opposed to the current Coliseum, where they have their own BART station, easy access to two freeways, and could build a stadium even before they tear down the old one.
(If "waterfront location" and "downtown environment" are must-haves, how do they plan to get that somewhere outside Las Vegas?)
In a more ideal world, I would prefer that the A's stay in Oakland. Ideally under ownership that wanted to keep them here, and was willing to run the team as more than a way to extract money from fans. But if a forced sale isn't possible for other team owners to require (see: SF Giants move to St Petersburg) then I would rather see them go. It's not worth yet another massive bailout by the city and county to people who can afford it.
I won't spit on their memory the way I do Al Davis' Raiders, but I won't regret them leaving.
(If "waterfront location" and "downtown environment" are must-haves, how do they plan to get that somewhere outside Las Vegas?)
In a more ideal world, I would prefer that the A's stay in Oakland. Ideally under ownership that wanted to keep them here, and was willing to run the team as more than a way to extract money from fans. But if a forced sale isn't possible for other team owners to require (see: SF Giants move to St Petersburg) then I would rather see them go. It's not worth yet another massive bailout by the city and county to people who can afford it.
I won't spit on their memory the way I do Al Davis' Raiders, but I won't regret them leaving.
(no subject)
Jun. 16th, 2021 06:56 amI am taking a couple days off for a long weekend. We're not going out of town - Thursday I bought Giants tickets for a day game. We're in a vax-section but it may not matter as much now. I am looking forward to getting out to the ballpark and relaxing in the sun.
Friday we're going to see the Pompeii exhibit at the Legion of Honor. I'm not completely interested in it, but the wife wants to go and the membership is in my name. I'm sure it will be interesting.
And now, to work!
Friday we're going to see the Pompeii exhibit at the Legion of Honor. I'm not completely interested in it, but the wife wants to go and the membership is in my name. I'm sure it will be interesting.
And now, to work!
(no subject)
Oct. 13th, 2020 11:36 amGo Rays and Braves! I don't care about either team - and I won't be watching this horrendous not-baseball - but I certainly want the Dodgers and Asterisks to lose.
This is a pretty good read. I fall on the "Anger" side and numbers 1 and 2 of the reasons to root against them.
This is a pretty good read. I fall on the "Anger" side and numbers 1 and 2 of the reasons to root against them.
(no subject)
Oct. 10th, 2019 07:08 amClayton Kershaw is one of the best pitchers in baseball - during the regular season. As a lifelong Giants fan, I am always pleased when he predictably chokes (as he did last night, blowing the lead) and helps ruin the Dodgers' chances to win.
I believe the term for this is "Kershawdenfreude".
I believe the term for this is "Kershawdenfreude".
