Today's Politics and Social Media=Why I Love Sports

I have always enjoyed politics. I follow what is going on in the economy and politics is a large part of the global economy. Recently, my desire to stay abreast of what is going on has diminished. There is so much over the top emotion and partisanship in basic conversation about who was elected and what they are going to do or not do.

I have always thought the Democratic and Republican party were more similar than different from each other with the biggest difference in how $ is to be spent with both parties spending more than they should.

In 2016, politics appears to be less about the analytics and all about personal attacks. Fear based attacks directed at anyone who happens to disagree with whoever happens to be speaking or writing one more whacko post on Facebook.

If this is the new era in politics, I would prefer to go back to the age where politics and religion were two things friends and family did not talk about. It saddens me that Americans have replaced debate with hate and a US against THEM mentality. We see how these types of divisions don't work in nations around the World, but still we walk down the road of slinging insults and hatred.

Thank goodness for all sports and my favorite MLB. Fans may be fanatical, but the I hate the Dodgers talk by Giants fans is just that, talk. The Dodgers suck talk is followed by gee, I sure wish Kershaw was a Giants pitcher.

The Electorial College votes tomorrow. No reasonable person expects the electorial to do anything different from what they have done in the past, confirm the next president who won the electorial vote in November. This won't diminish the crazy talk and hate directed by many in social media.

As a person who studied politics and economics and have followed it all closely since being in my twenties to being retired today, I am more thankful than ever the baseball season never ends. Winter meetings have ended and it won't be long before Spring Training begins. The love of baseball will make it easy to ignore all those who choose to hate.

San Francisco Giants Sign Mark Melancon

It's been a good week for the San Francisco Giants. The club signed closer, Mark Melancon to a four year, $62 million contract. The Giants had pursued Melancon last season before the trade deadline, but were outbid for his services.

The Giants already have a very good bullpen. A reliable closer was a missing piece of the puzzle which cost them, especially late in the season and in the playoffs. No point in elaborating on those lost saves. Baseball is like other things in life. At some point you move on and the signing of Melancon is just that.

The Giants can thank Ryan Vogelsong for singing the praises for the Giants front office. You can read and listen to Bobby Evans explains the trade to Alex Pavlovic by visiting CSN Bay Area. Just click HERE. The family atmosphere of the club seems to be a hit with most players and they take that attitude with them, even after being traded.

Why did Mark Melancon decide to take the Giants offer when he had other options. A big part of the decision was the clubs determination to win. Read and listen to MLB story on Giants 2017 plans. Just click HERE.

Some of the Giants top prospects will begin the 2017 season in Sacramento, Ca playing for the Rivercats. Check it out at MLB story and video. Just click HERE.

Go Melancon! Go Giants!!!

Winter Meetings Coming Soon for MLB

If you are already missing baseball on December 1, 2016 take heart. Winter MLB meetings and possible trades discussions are just around the corner. Everyone knows the SF Giants are in the market for a closer. This link takes you to the SF Giants site where that discussion is underway. Click Here.

The Giants have some very good pitching talent in Hunter Strickland, Josh Osich, Steven Okert and Derek Law. It's possible one of these solid pitchers will be traded for a closer which the Giants are determined to obtain. The Giants have talent in the outfield, but that does not mean they won't be looking at center fielders. Let the speculation begin! LOL

When are the MLB meetings? Where will they take place? What stations will be covering? The Sporting News answers these question on their terrific web site. Click Here.

And my favorite site outside of MLB makes it's predictions on moves that may happen during the winter meetings. Bleacher Report MLB winter meetings predictions. Click Here.

I am already planning a baseball trip. My daughter will be one of 25,000 running in the Boston marathon on April 17, 2017. A Sunday game before the big race warms my heart on December 1, 2016.

Thank you for all the visits!

Thanksgiving is a Time to Give and be Thankful

(Update-29,000 runners and walkers participated in the annual Thanksgiving Run to Feed the Hungry in Sacramento, Ca. All registration fees go to local food banks. This was a record number of participants. Almost every year a new record is set. Happy Thanksgiving!!!)

The meaning of Thanksgiving has stayed the same over time. Being thankful has always been at the heart of the Thanksgiving Holiday. Immigrants received help from Native Americans and gave thanks. The darkest side of American History took place during those times when settlers pushed Native Americans off their lands. A history that should give pause before lecturing other nations on human rights. We should never forget and we should never stop being thankful.

One thing that has not changed in dark times and during the changes from becoming an agricultural nation to an industrial nation to an information age is the opportunity to be thankful and to give. A time to be thankful for what we have in bountiful harvests, family and the chance to give to our community.

Recently a positive trend during the Thanksgiving Holiday is to give to local food banks. This giving culminates at a walk/run to feed the hungry in many communities across this nation. Food banks depend on the giving Americans have embraced by sharing abundantly on this day.  We are grateful for our abundance. A major portion of food banks budget for the entire year comes during this week of gratitude.

In the community where I live there is a run to feed the hungry. Registration for participating is $35. More than 25,000 people are expected at tomorrows run/walk and each participant will receive much more than their contribution in knowing they are helping to feed those in need throughout the next year.

I wish all Americans a great day of Thanksgiving and hope all who can give back will take this opportunity make a donation to your local food bank.

Cheers!

Golden1 Arena in Sacramento, CA is Outstanding

I went to the new Golden1 arena in downtown Sacramento last night. The Sacramento Kings were hosting the San Antonio Spurs. The game was not all that pretty for the Kings, but if you are visiting Sacramento and there is any type of event going on at the new arena you won't be disappointed if you check it out or in Facebook terms check in there.

When going in through the main entrance off L Street you will be amazed how open the building is. Sacramento gets hot in the summer, but the city gets a good delta breeze in the evening. The open entrance will make events feel like a summer night outside and less enclosed.

What is really striking when you enter the building is the wide concourses all around the building with enough food choices your head will swim. Great food and beverage choices for a variety of tastebuds!

If you are coming from outside of Sacramento the freeway going in all directions is just a couple blocks away. Don't let the traffic alarmists scare you away. Traffic has not even been a little problem yet alone a major headache.

Job Interviews-How did it Really Go?

I had a job interview with a health provider in the San Francisco Bay Area last week. I enjoyed the interview and thought it went well. But how do you know what interviewers are really thinking?

I am one of those people who does not read body language very well.  I was not asked the question what is your biggest weakness. Thank goodness. That is such a common and waste of time question. I really respected the interviewers for not going there. One weakness that I do have is not being able to pick up on subtle comments or body language. A subtle negative comment goes right over my head. I think that is part of growing up with the old fashioned belief if you can't say something kind then don't say anything at all.  I don't hear unkindness in subtle jabs and if it happens in a job interview my perception of how the interview played out will not be changed. If you have the ability to laugh at yourself there is some humor in this. The interviewer may be saying, oh my gawd after you leave the room while you do a celebration dance in the lobby. It's good to be able to laugh at yourself.

Job interviewing is similar to having a first date. Often one person on the date thinks it went way better than the other person. I think that happens in job interviews too.

One thing that helps with really not knowing what other people think is the ability to let things go after an interview. It has taken me decades to learn. At this stage of my life, I am able to go to an interview, enjoy the conversation, write the thank you note and let it go. In other words developing the ability to stop thinking about it and accepting whatever the other party decides.

It's good to have this ability. If you are young, I hope you can develop this ability now. I did not have this skill when I was young and spent too much time analyzing how things went and wondering if I would get the job. Get on with life rather than waiting for your phone to ring.  It is much better to do your best in an interview and once that thank you letter is sent, let it go. Let it go and move on to other potential opportunities.

MLB 2016 Season Ends with Epic Cubs Win

Congratulations to the Chicago Cubs and the city of Chicago and all the dedicated fans there. I am a San Francisco Giants fan. I was rooting for the Cubs all year except when they played the Giants. As a baseball fan, I am with millions of others outside of Chicago who are happy for the life long fans of the Cubs. Congratulations Cubbies!

The last game of the 2016 season was the best game of the year. I go to and watch a lot of baseball during any season. This back and forth game was the best game most of us have seen in a long, long time. It's a cliche, but it really is too bad that one team had to lose. Both teams played a great series and great seventh game. The Cubs prevailed, but Cleveland won too. Good sportsmanship prevailed during the games in Cleveland with Cubs and Indians fans cheering their teams on while sitting next to each other. This makes for a fun environment for all fans.

The fun of having a mixed crowd cheering for both teams makes baseball a great sport. The crazy fun seventh game on November 2, 2016 has many fans, including myself already looking forward to the 2017 season.

Congratulations to the Chicago Cubs!!!

Chicago Cubs or Cleveland Indians-Go World Series!

Game three of World Series 2016 starts shortly. So far it's been a pretty good series. A real toss up in terms of who is going to win the World Series Trophy.

I have been rooting for the Cubs since they knocked the SF Giants out. I'm for the Cubs, but I was surprised to see and hear how many baseball fans are rooting for Cleveland here in California. I consider myself to be a baseball fan, but I am not as familiar with American League (AL) teams as I should be. As a fan who regularly watches and often goes to Giants games the National League (NL) is way more familiar. Cleveland making it to the World Series and winning the first game was a poignant reminder to myself that I need to pay more attention to the AL. I go to Oakland Athletics games so there is no excuse as a fan for not being knowledgable of all teams.

How about yourself? Do you only know your own team and league? Or maybe you just know your team and don't care to know much about other teams. There is nothing wrong with that. My own preference is to learn and know as much as possible about all teams. That will include more study on the AL in 2017.

I am not against either the Cubs or the Indians. It has been a long time since either team has gone this far so let's root, root, root for the World Series.

Thank you for following my blog. Your visits are appreciated.

Why is U.S. Labor Participation Rate so Low?

The official unemployment rate in the United States is below 5%. If these numbers are a true reflection of the economy why have wages not gone up significantly? If the unemployment rate is an accurate account of how the U.S. economy is doing, why is the labor participation rate so low? The latest statistic from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the participation rate in September 2016 at 62.9%. In September 2006 the participation rage was 66.1%.

This post is for all the people, especially younger and older workers who don't believe the unemployment rate is a very good indicator of job availability. It's no secret the unemployment rate does not take into account those who have given up looking for work. Millions of workers lost their jobs during the great recession. After their unemployment benefits ran out many gave up looking for jobs. They don't count as being unemployed.

The unemployment rate is not a great way to measure the economy. The rate does not reflect what is really happening in the economy. Here are a few reasons why:

• The unemployment rate does not include workers of all ages who would like to work, but have become so discouraged they stopped looking.  
• The number of new applications for unemployment is cited as a major factor in how the labor sector is doing. These reports don't take into account workers laid off who don't qualify for unemployment. You have to work for a certain period of time to qualify. There are lots of other factors that disqualify those who have lost their jobs.
• The unemployment rate does not factor in older workers who would like to work. Many of these workers were pushed out of jobs in favor of younger workers. There is a reason nearly half the workforce at age 62 years are choosing to take social security early. They were pushed out of the workforce and can't find new employment. Surprise, surprise they don't count as unemployed!
• The unemployment rate does not reflect the millions of millenials working part-time who would like full-time employment. It does not count under-employed workers of all ages working in jobs not using their skills or education.

The labor participation rate is a better statistic on how healthy the labor force is doing. No statistic tells the whole story. In today's economy the unemployment rate going down is celebrated like a World Series win. The main problem is millions of potential workers don't count and nobody talks about it. The labor participation has declined every year since 2008 and nobody talks about it. You would think Republicans would jump on this talking point, but most politicians think the American public would not understand this statistic because we the electorate are too stupid. So politicians talk about something simple. The unemployment rate.

The next time you see headlines on the news about how the unemployment rate has dropped or fewer than expected workers have filed for unemployment think about the millions of younger underemployed workers living in their parents basements or the older workers shunned by HR departments in companies large and small and remember they don't count in either statistic.  

Next time: Many politicians talk about how important it is to get GDP up to 3,4, 5, 6 %. Do these same public officials even know what GDP is?

Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians came out with their Ace Corey Kluber and shutdown the Cubs. This is a great way for the Indians to get the series started. Should the Cubs panic? Absolutely Not. Chicago was down 2-1 vs the Dodgers and that worked out well. The first game in a seven game series is important, but it doesn't define a series. When you lose a game 6-0 and the opposing pitcher looks as sharp as Kluber, the best thing to do is tip your cap. Cliche, I know but so true. Tip your cap and prepare for game two.

As a San Francisco Giants fan, I hope this series goes seven games. That means more baseball and one station spending less time on elections. Oh my gosh, please play right up until November 2nd, regardless of the weather. Thank goodness for the NFL, NBA, NHL which are either beginning play or in the middle of their seasons.

As a baseball fan, I am happy to see both of these teams in the World Series. The fans in Cleveland and Chicago have waited a long, long time for these moments and two thumbs up for both teams.

Go Cubs! Go Indians!

Capital Public Radio Hosts-Logical People Living Longer Should Work Longer

It's a common conclusion and seems like a logical solution to the Social Security funding issue. People are living longer so have them work longer!  I heard this on Capitol Public radio this morning during a short discussion on funding Social Security. Both hosts concluded it was logical since people are living longer they should be able to work longer. I am not picking on Capital Public radio. I listen to them daily and love all their programming.  It's pretty common for anyone with a desk job to suggest, hey we are living longer so work longer.

These innocent and naive conclusions disregard the following:

1. The general conclusion usually comes from people that are sitting at desks or have a job in public office where the only physical issues will be eye strain from looking at their computers all day. What about the plumber that has arthritis in his wrists? The 60 year old maid who has to be on her feet all day? The janitor at your local school? The retail person who is on their feet all day?


2. It's great that employers like Capital Public radio appreciate their older reporters and want to keep them employed. This is not the norm. Many employers, I would actually suggest most employers prefer younger workers and push older workers out the door as soon as it is possible. It starts slowly with some job responsibilities taken away and given to younger workers and progresses into being left out of decision making and important meetings. Eventually older workers get the message and leave.


3. Try to find a job after you are fifty-plus and then suggest upping the age to be eligible for Social Security. Many workers find themselves unemployed through no fault of their own. Sometimes it's a downturn in the economy. Most of the time it is #2.  Most employers don't like older workers. Of course, there are some organizations that really appreciate the experience, education, great work ethic and team work that workers over fifty bring to the table. Those employers should be commended with great enthusiasm. Unfortunately, these employers are not the norm.

I was disappointed to hear Capital Public Radio hosts jump to this naive general conclusion. The snappy conclusion does not consider real World work conditions for many older Americans.

San Francisco Giants Season has Closure but Not a Closer

I waited a couple days to write my last SF Giants post for 2016. The season was an up and down and sideways kind of year. The team played some great baseball and struggled at times. The offense scored a lot of runs at times and in other stretches offense was as scarce as rain in California. The starting pitching was the most consistent part of the teams play for most of the season.

At the very end not being able to close out games became the main issue of 2016. In the general baseball scheme of things if you are able to get an insurance run late and lead by two runs in the ninth inning, it should "almost" be a given that victory is yours. That was not the case for the 2016 SF Giants team. The bullpen blew more saves than any other MLB club. There is no getting to the World Series without a solid closer and reliable setup guys.

The guys in Orange and Black have dedicated fans like myself who are already looking forward to the 2017 season. The front office for the Giants will need to address the weaknesses of the team even if it means adding to the payroll. October of 2017 depends on making continual improvements with bold moves in the off season.

The season is over and the SF Giants team has many solid players that will return. With a few tweaks the 2017 team will be very competitive and fans have a lot of great games to look forward to next season. And that is the beauty of baseball. There is always next year.

Go Giants!!!

San Francisco Giants Stay Alive for a Game Four

The San Francisco Giants won in the 13th inning last night against the Chicago Cubs after Brandon Crawford and Joe Panik hit back to back doubles. It was a baseball game that hardcore fans really love. The final score Giants 6, Cubs 5.

Of course, Giants fans everywhere would have preferred to see Sergio Romo end it in the ninth inning with the Orange and Black leading 5-3.  Extra innings on your home turf can end disastrously. It just was not meant to be. The home run by Chris Bryant who most likely will win MVP tied the game at 5-5.

Both teams battled into the 13th inning and it was the Giants who were able to send runs across the plate to end the game. It could have gone either way. The guys in Orange and Black live to play at least one more game. The Cubs still lead the series 2-1. I'm thinking it is like being down 3-2 in a seven game series. In both scenarios you have to win two in a row to take the series.

Take a look at highlights of the game on the SF Giants web site by clicking HERE.

Game four takes place in San Francisco tonight at 5:30 PST.  Right hander John Lackey will battle lefty Matt Moore with the season on the line for the Giants.

Go Matt Moore! Go Giants!!!

The Good Guys in Orange and Black are Against the Wall

I have not posted since the SF Giants headed to New York to play the Wild Card game. That game turned out very well for the Giants. In fact the club has looked very good over the last five games. Why are they down 0-2? The Chicago Cubs have played better.

Baseball is not a complicated. The Chicago Cubs have played better, just a little better in game one of the series and significantly better last night in game two.

It's never ideal to be down in a series. Giants fans can take a smidgen of consolation knowing that in 2014 they were in the same position and came back to win three in a row. Will this happen again? The odds say no. Fans don't care about odds. True fans think their team is in it until the 27th out of the final game.

Here is a link to watch Gregor Blanco's hit that drove in the Giants first run last night. To watch the video courtesy of MLB.com click HERE.

Jake Arrieta goes against Madison Bumgarner in San Francisco, Monday night at 6:30 PST.

Go Bumgarner! Go Giants!!!

Giants Fans Ready for Third Part of Season!

The first half of the 2016 MLB season for the Giants was terrific. The second half was not what anyone wearing Orange and Black hoped for, until the last game! Bumpy rides are expected over the course of 162 games. Now the focus is on one game in New York.

The SF Giants play in New York on Wednesday. All teams going into the playoffs have the same 0-0 record. Anything can happen and that is why Giants fans everywhere are excited.

Matt Moore did a terrific job on Sunday. He was masterful over the Dodgers. Sergio Romo came in for the ninth and closed out the game.  The Giants offense continued from the day before and this is exactly what the team needed to get into the playoffs. They needed a sweep of the Dodgers and they "made" it happen.

Here is the MLB.com video of close by Romo. Click HERE to view and see all other SF Giants videos. Ty Blach and Madison Bumgarner and the Giants offense made huge contributions to make the New York game on Wednesday a reality. The last series of the year was the biggest and best.

Madison Bumgarner and Noah Syndergaard get to start the Wild Card game Wednesday at 5:00 PST.

Go Madison Bumgarner! Go Giants!!!

SF Giants Bats Alive! at Right Time!!!

The San Francisco Giants bats came to life at the right time in the 6th inning against the LA Dodgers. What perfect timing! Love it! Seven runs in one inning, oh my gosh!

Here is the MLB.com video of the display of hitting including Madison Bumgarner getting into the action. MLB.com video just click HERE.

The Giants and Dodgers are back in action at 1:05 PST today. On the mound for the Giants is Ty Blach vs Clayton Kershaw.

Go Ty Blach! Go Giants!!!

SF Giants Playoff Hopes Hinge on Dodger Series

My oh, my was Bruce Bochy correct at the beginning of the season when he said the division and playoffs would come down to the wire. Actually, I think he was referring to the division winner, but the Giants playoffs will be determined in one weekend series against the LA Dodgers.

It's time for the Giants to play an overall great series. No excuses and Giants fans should not be mad at the Dodgers if things don't go the Giants way. There is no point in the Giants being in the playoffs if they can't beat a team that will be waiting for them. The Orange and Black need to do what they have not done for awhile. The Giants need to string together three solid games.

The team is going into this last series on a high note after a solid win against the Rockies in San Francisco. The club got their bats going after being closed out the night before and scored seven runs. The final score 7-2. Yeah! SF Giants fans everywhere love to see that kind of run production. Check out Johnny Cueto's great bunt and hustle down the first base line. Cueto helped his own cause and gave the Giants a 5-2 lead. Gotta love it. MLB video click HERE.

On Friday night Rich Hill of the Dodgers takes on Madison Bumgarner of the Giants at 7:15 PST.

Go Bumgarner! Go Giants!!!

Giants Go For Series in San Diego

The San Francisco Giants try to win a much needed series in San Diego this afternoon. I was at the first two games of this series. The first game won by the Giants 2-1 was a nail biter until the last out. The second game not so much. Suarez and the Giants fell behind in the first inning of that 7-2 loss. After the first inning the offense never got on track.

Fast forward to game three and the Giants offense kicked into high gear early and then later the Padres roared back to tie the game 6-6. Fortunately on this night the Giants offense was not done and added three more runs for a much, much needed win.

Each and Every game is important in this last week of the season. Playing or not playing in October could depend on one game.

Ty Blach will make his first major league start for the Giants vs Clayton Richard. Game time is 1:40 PST.

Good luck in your first start Ty! Go Giants!!!

SF Giants Bullpen Shines in Win Over Dodgers!!!

The SF Giants bullpen really shined last night in a win over the LA Dodgers. Let's give credit where it is due. The bullpen stepped on the mound and got the job done. Very well done Steven Okert and Will Smith!!! And what a great finish in the 9th by Sergio Romo!!! Yes, yes, yes! You have to love a 1-2-3 close.

Johnny Cueto had another stellar game. The offense in the form of two single home runs was enough to hold off the Dodgers. Cueto departed from the game after perhaps straining a groin muscle. All Giants fans hope this is not serious. It's crucial to have Johnny in the starting lineup during the last eleven games of the season.

Brandon Crawford was thrown out sliding into third base injuring one of his fingers. He is day to day and according to SFGiants.com Cueto will be having a MRI today to determine the extent of his injury. Giants fans are hoping for the best.

Eduardo Nunez got the Giants on the board with his home run. Check out the MLB.com video by clicking HERE.

Brandon Belt gave the Giants a cushion when he belted his home run in the top of the ninth inning. Watch the MLB.com video by clicking HERE.

Romo ends the game with a strikeout. Check out the MLB.com video by clicking HERE.

The Giants are in a three way tie for the wild card with eleven games left. The Mets, Cardinals and the Giants will battle until one of the teams are eliminated. This is crunch time and each game should be played like the playoffs depend on it, because one game could decide the outcome of the entire season.

Matt Moore is on the mound tonight in LA against Kent Maeda. Game time is 7:10 PST.

Go Matt Moore! Go Giants!!!

Another Blown Save by SF Giants Bullpen

The Giants had the lead going into the 9th inning last night in LA. The bullpen blew the save and the Dodgers walked away with a 2-1 victory. The Giants lead MLB in blown saves and are still in the playoff chase. Simply amazing!

It seems like this story has been repeated over and over again since the All-Star break. Before going into the second half of the season there was endless discussion from Giants fans about getting a closer because even with an 8 game lead the team was vulnerable late in games. I know finding a good closer is not an easy thing to do. Bochy and his staff have been trying to figure it out, but nothing has worked consistently.

As a Giants fan it is painful to see great starting pitching and a great game only to watch it fall apart in the eighth and ninth inning. The Orange and Black does not have a 1-2-3 game is over guy and this could keep them from the playoffs. Clayton Kershaw came out of the game in the 6th inning and the offense still could not get it going. That is a second issue the team has faced since the All-Star break. One more game consisting of less than two runs does not help the bullpen.

The final two weeks of the season will be all about scoring runs and closing out games. It's really that simple.

Eduardo Nunez's hustle gave the SF Giants a 1-0 lead. Watch Mr. Hustle courtesy of MLB.com by clicking HERE.

Johnny Cueto goes up against Rich Hill in LA tonight at 7:10 PST. Both pitchers are having great seasons.

Go Cueto! Go Giants!!!

Giants on Upswing vs Cardinals

The San Francisco Giants have picked up their offense in a series that really matters. Runs matter and so does beating the St. Louis Cardinals if the Orange and Black want to stay in the chase for a wild card spot.

Winning the first two games in convincing style is exactly what the Giants needed. If the team can win the next two before traveling to Los Angeles it would put them right in the middle of a division chase. The Dodgers lead the second place Giants by four games so the team will need to take their "A" game to Dodger stadium.

Buster Posey has been the man in this series. Posey has come to play and the team is following his example. Here Buster breaks his homer drought. Watch the MLB.com video by clicking HERE.

The Giants pretty much put the game away last night in the third inning. Six runs and you can watch the highlights of that inning from MLB.com by clicking HERE.

Jeff Samardzija goes against Cardinals pitcher Mike Leake, Saturday at 6:05 PST.

Go Samardzija! Go Giants!!!

Giants Offense Stuck in Neutral

The SF Giant offense got stuck in neutral Monday night against the San Diego Padres. This was a home game for the Giants and an opportunity to expand their lead in the wild card chase against the St. Louis Cardinals who lost.

The Giants made some good defensive plays with Buster Posey coming up big. Those defensive gems by Buster were the highlights of the game since the end score was Padres 4 and Giants 0.

Looking at the positive. The Giants continue to lead the wild card chase. The lead is slim and won't be maintained if the team does not start scoring consistently.

Great double play by Buster Posey and Brandon Crawford. Plays like these kept the game close. View the MLB.com video by clicking HERE.

Busters Posey's second great throw to get runner at second base. View the MLB.com video by clicking HERE.

Albert Suarez is on the mount at AT&T against San Diego's Clayton Richard. Game time is 7:15 PST.

Go Albert Suarez! Go Giants!!!

(CORRECTION!!!) TWO RUN CUSHION IN 9TH NOT ENOUGH FOR SF GIANTS

CORRECTION-GIANTS PLAY FRIDAY NIGHT IN ARIZONA. NOT TONIGHT.

Normally a team will feel a little comfort going into the 9th inning with a two run cushion. A one run cushion makes fans and managers a bit apprehensive. When an extra run is added late to increase the lead by two runs, everyone breathes easier.

That has not been the case since the All-Star break for the San Francisco Giants. Actually, we have been talking about the reliever situation before the break. It was a topic of conversation when the Giants were up by 8 games in the West. Really nothing has changed. The relievers are blowing leads at rate of every other save opportunity.

Everyone knows the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. Last night that two run lead became one with a single pitch hit out of the park. This time Santiago Casilla was on the mound. It's happened to other relievers too. That's how the Giants have became the team with the most blown saves.

Are the Giants going to continue with this strategy? If so, why? As much as this blogger likes Santiago Casilla and his competitive spirit, he is not getting the job done consistently.

The front office needs to make a change. Getting the job done half of the time will not get the Orange and Black into the playoffs. If there is a good time to pay a closer not to pitch this would be it. At least until you try something else and it does not work. Maybe some rest will do Casilla some good and if his teammates in the bullpen can't close out a game he can be on called upon.

Remember the definition of Insanity and try something new and maybe the results will be different.

Madison Bumgarner is back on the mound Friday against Arizona's Braden Shipley. Game time is 6:40 PST.

Go Madison! Go Giants!!!

Great Win by SF Giants to Avoid Sweep

There is one more game in this four game series against the Cubs in Chicago. The Giants won a very good game behind Madison Bumgarner. This avoids the sweep and if the Giants can win behind Johnny Cueto it will even the series which is big for the team trying to stay ahead in the wild card spot and chase the Dodgers for first place.

The Padres are at the Dodgers at 6:10 pm. Rich Hill the former Athletic has been stellar and has a 10-3 record going into the matchup against Luis Perdomo who is even with a 7-7 record. This Giants fan hopes Luis will have the game of his life...LOL

Eduardo Nunez gets a single in to put the Giants up 2-0 in the fourth inning. Watch the MLB video courtesy of MLB.com by clicking HERE.

Nunez does it at third base too! These kind of plays are responsible for 3-2 victories. Watch the great play courtesy of MLB.com by clicking HERE.

Both teams got a run on infield errors. This is how the Giants got their first run of the game. Watch the MLB video by clicking HERE.

Go Johnny Cueto! Go Giants!

Currently the Cincinatti Reds are up 2-1 against the St. Louis Cardinals. As I publish this post the game is in the bottom of the 7th inning. Go Reds! I say that for obviouos Giant reasons.

Everything in Baseball Seems Sane Today

A major politician a few months ago said his political party had gone Bat Shit Crazy. I suggest the American people in general have gone Bat Shit Crazy over the Colin Kaepernick story. On to the Giants vs Diamondback series!!!

On the mound tonight at AT&T will be Johnny Cueto pitching against Diamondback Zack Greinke! Classic matchup!

Keys to the game:

1. Keep the Diamondbacks in the park. It's ok to walk Paul Goldschmidt or Jake Lamb if you get behind in the count. 
2. Offense needs to get timely hits and leave as few as possible on base. 
3. Smart play running the bases and good solid defense. Heads in game.

More to come during game time. 

UPDATE 3:50 PST GIANTS UP 13-3 Going into 8th INNING!

Update 3:50 PST-After scoring just one run yesterday the Giants have taken a 13-3 lead going into the 8th inning against the Braves. If they can keep scoring like this and combine it with pitching against the Diamondbacks the series against the Cubs next weekend could be very interesting! That's a lot of ifs, but Go Giants!!!

I'm a Giants fan. I think this blog and the posts attest to this as fact. I like facts. Emotions are ok, but I consider myself a realist who may overthink things, but is seldom emotionally impulsive. Giants fans need to brace themselves for the real possibility the team won't make the playoffs. The team woes began right after the all-star game. We are about to end August and those woes continue.

The Giants can't go into the series with Chicago later in the week expecting to be in the chase for the playoffs if they can't win the series again Atlanta and Arizona. Of course, we tip our caps to Mike Foltynewicz who threw a great game mixing up his pitches in the second game against Atlanta. He held the Giants to one run on a home run by Brandon Crawford and the Braves won 3-1.

The Giants must get hot and the time is now.

The Sunday series finale just started. Madison Bumgarner is on the mound vs Aaron Blair. First inning and the Braves take the early lead 1-0. Giants are now coming up to bat.

Go Bumgarner! Go Giants!!!

SF Giants Offense MIA-Samardzija Outstanding

The San Francisco Giants offense has been hit and miss all season. The lack of run production at key points in games has really hurt the team. On Sunday the New York Mets blanked them with a good performance by Noah Syndergaard. For six innings Jeff Samardzija and Syndergaard matched performances and it was 0-0. Both pitchers had their "A" games going. The Giants pitcher was doing so well he had a no hitter going into the 7th inning.

Curtis Granderson ended that no-hit bid by driving a double to left-field. Yoenis Cespedes did the damage batting right after Granderson by smashing a no doubt homer to left-field. This blogger really liked watching Cespedes when he played for the Oakland Athletics. I was really disappointed when the A's traded him, but that's what the A's do. Cespedes is worth the price of admission all by himself. He is  always great at bat and in the outfield too. As a Giants fan he was more fun to watch playing for the A's-LOL

Back to my point about the Giants offense. It's not just a game here and a game there that has this fan concerned. It's the overall season where opposing pitchers have their best outings of the year at AT&T park. Of course, you tip your cap to a great pitching performance. At the same time if it happens too often you would think management may be scratching their heads. It could be time to shake-up the offense. I'm not sure waiting until September and expecting minor league players to play a critical role in the playoff chase will be enough. I don't know who is available off waivers, but I hope the Giants are looking to add some pop to the lineup.

This couch manager has been suggesting since the season started that an additional bat or two is needed in the outfield. There has been more talk about the bullpen and it being shaky with little talk about the struggling offense. The Giants are losing too many games where they score fewer than two runs and somehow, someway this has to change going into September or even the wildcard spot may slip away.

Courtesy of MLB watch Cespedes blast to left-feld by clicking HERE.

Madison Bumgarner is on the mound Tuesday at 7:10 PST vs Kenta Maeda as the Giants vs Dodgers rivalry continues in Los Angeles.

Can the SF Giants Restart their Engines?

I have not written for a few days. My interest in the Giants has not waned.  I have been busy with job searching. I also question my priorities! LOL

I will start this post with a positive. The fans appreciation for Ryan Vogelsong last night was totally awesome. Their reaction as he walked to the mound in the first inning shows the great class that SF fans display at every game. Ryan picked up the win last night. I was happy for him despite the fact it came at the Giants expense.

The last few games have seen some real ups and downs. Unfortunately, there have been more downs than ups since the all-star break. The teams play has me screaming in my apartment sometimes. Why?

1. Poor decision making. Last night for example with two outs and the pitcher coming to the plate  we pitched to Polonco. Gregory was already responsible for three Pirates runs. Why not intentionally walk him or at least pitch around him? I was totally dumbfounded when he got a pitch right over the middle of the plate.
2. The bullpen has imploded too many times since the all-star break. I understand you have to go with your best guys and overall the bullpen has done a good job or the Giants would not still have a 1/2 game lead in the West. That being said this blogger and many other couch coaches have suggested since spring training that the Giants need an additional closer. 
3. When the offense shows up it is so wonderful. Usually when the team gets five runs a W is on the scorecard. Go back to #1 and the outcome of this game might have been different. The team has had several offensive droughts since the all-star game. One or two runs does not win many games. 

(Great catch by Hunter Pence. Watch the video courtesy of MLB.com by clicking HERE.

I'm always a positive guy. The Orange and Black are still in first place. Players have regained their health. The team has a good home schedule for the rest of this month. This blogger wants to see smarter play, better decision making, consistent offense and an addition to the closing rotation to take the pressure off Santiago Casilla. 

Jeff Samardzija is back on the mound against Pittsburgh's Jameson Taillon at 7:15 PST

Go Samardzija! Go Giants!!!

Giants Win 1-0 and Come Home to Play the Orioles

The Giants won a tough well pitched game by Jeff Samardzija 1-0 and took the series in Miami on Wednesday afternoon. This win sends the team back to AT&T park on a positive note. The Orioles are in town for a three game series beginning Friday. The Giants are off Today.

Samardzija was spectacular Wednesday. He threw the Marlins off balance by mixing up the speed of his pitches and his command put him in charge.  Jeff was helped by some great play in the outfield. Angel Pagan made two good plays and the throw he made to second base getting an out was a crucial play in keeping the Marlins off the board. Watch the MLB clip by clicking HERE.

The next three weeks are important to the Giants. Of course, every game and every week is important, but the dog days of August are especially important as the team fights to stay on top of the NL West. The Giants host east coast teams for most of the remainder of August.  The Giants have just one short trip to Los Angeles to play the Dodgers for three games. With 15 games at home this is a crucial stretch for the Giants. (SF Giants schedule on Giants web site click HERE.) If the Giants can play well the remainder of the month they won't need to make any type of player acquisitions and can tap their minor league players available in September.

1-0 victories are rare. Take a look at this MLB video of the solo run provided by the bat of Brandon Crawford by clicking HERE.

Matt Cain is back on the mound against Dylan Bundy, Friday at 7:15 PST.

Go Matt! Go Giants!!!

SF Giants Win Marathon Game in 14th Inning

What a big win for the San Francisco Giants Monday night in Miami! The Giants won in the 14th inning after Brandon Crawford collected his 7th hit of the game. That's not a typo. Crawford had seven hits tying a major league baseball record shared by just a handful of players.

Watch this video of Brandon Crawford getting hit number seven courtesy of MLB.com by clicking HERE.

Buster Posey starts a big double play in the 8th inning with the score tied. I just love watching Posey throw to second. His throws getting runners trying to steal and in this case starting a double play are strong and accurate. Watch MLB video of Buster starting the double play by clicking HERE.

This was a big road win for the Giants. It's no secret they have struggled since the all-star break, especially offensively. This blogger has contended they need another bat in the lineup, most likely in the form of another outfielder. There have been too many games where the offense struggles to score more than one run. Fans including myself understand the team is trying to stay in contention through August and then use some of the minor league players in September and race to the finish line. This couch manager thinks they need to do something sooner.

The Giants bullpen gets heat when a save is blown. George Kontos deserves a big high-five. George pitched two scoreless innings, gets the save and the win!!! Awesome!!! Way to go George! Watch George close out the game courtesty of MLB by clicking HERE.

The Marlins and Giants are back at it with a 4:10 PST game on Tuesday. Matt Moore will make his first start as a Giant. He goes against Tom Koheler.

Go Matt! Go Giants!!!

Bumgarner Brilliant in 1-0 Loss. Offense AWOL

After game update-Great performance by Madison Bumgarner. Tanner Roark had the Giants number and Giants lose 1-0. Bumgarner loses 5th straight game since all-star break. This loss is all because of lack of offense. Bumgarner could not have been better. This on the couch blogger really thinks Giants management needs to make some kind of move to get a bat that wakes up the offense. One bat could make a crucial difference in these tight games. Currently there are players coming to the plate that are more automatic outs than pitching staff. Hats off to Ben Revere and the great play he made in Center Field off what looked like at least a double by Brandon Belt.

Dang, I just turned on the TV in time to see Nationals go deep to make score 1-0.  Ramos hit it over the right field fence to break the scoreless tie. Watching game as I write this.

Ok, let's look at Saturday's action. Matt Cain did a terrific job on the mound. He got out of some bases loaded situations and the offense came to play. I really like this hustle play by Nunez to get a triple. The ball really looked like it was going out of the park, but he did not assume it was a home run. It hit the top of the wall and because of his smart base running it turned into a triple instead of a double. Watch the MLB clip by clicking HERE.

If you missed yesterdays game, Hunter Pence had a ball come off home plate and hit him in the face. He has a real shiner and Blanco is playing in right field today. Despite getting hit in the face Pence ended the 9th with this good catch. Watch the MLB clip by clicking HERE.

Bumgarner has turned in a brilliant performance giving up one run and that run was on what looked like a pretty good pitch. Ramos did a great job to knock it out.

SF Giants Even Series with Nationals

The San Francisco Giants are coming off a long, long stretch of not playing very well and losing games. The losing streak ended and a two game winning streak has started. The team is on a road trip beginning Tuesday which includes Philadelphia, Washington and Miami.

It's time for the Giants to step it up and win a series away from home. In the first part of the road trip they take on the Philadelphia Phillies in a three game series. The first game of the series is Tuesday, August 2nd at 4:10 PST.  It would be a great team confidence boost if they can win two of three.

The Giants split the series with Nationals over this past weekend in SF. I love this pitch hit by Madison Bumgarner. Matt Cain was on the mound and got a W in the 3-1 victory.

Watch the MLB video of Madison's pitch-hit double by clicking HERE.

In other Giants news, Bleacher Report brings us news of two trades before the August 1st deadline. Read the report on Giants acquistion of Matt Moore from Tampa Bay by clicking HERE.

The Giants were talking mostly about getting relief pitchers before the trade deadline, but everyone knows the backend of the starting rotation has been hit and miss all year. My guess and it's just a guess is Jake Peavy will not be starting for the Giants again.

The second reported trade involved the Milwaukee Brewers who are rebuilding this year. Left hander Will Smith is headed to San Francisco. The Giants were looking for another left hander in the bullpen. Read the Bleacher Report story by clicking HERE.

Looks like the Giants are serious about making a run in September.

In Tuesdays 4:10 PST action Madison Bumgarner will take on Zach Eflin of the Phillies.

Go Bumgarner! Go Giants!!!

SF Giants and the MIA Offense

I attended the series finale against the Cincinnati Reds at AT&T park on Wednesday afternoon. Madison Bumgarner pitched a good game and so did the bullpen. It was a beautiful day at the yard. Game time temps at 70 degrees. The only thing ugly was the scoreboard. The crowd really did not have much to cheer for. This has been going on for too long. The final score 2-1.

The Reds are better than their record. However, the Giants offense is making every pitcher they face look like Cy Young  candidates. I keep looking for the Giants to make a move for another bat or two before the trade deadline. I keep hoping to see something on Bleacher Report saying help is on the way. I understand that a couple players are out with injuries, but every team has that issue going into August.

Mistakes in the outfield on defense and strong arms that were not accurate cost the Giants yesterday. That being said, very few games are ever won when the offense can only put one run on the board.

The Giants take on a much tougher team tonight with Johnny Cueto going against Tanner Roark and the Nationals.

Go Cueto! Go Giants!!!

Pictures from game 7/27/2016

Giants End Six Game Losing Streak

The San Francisco Giants ended their six game losing streak. It seems like all Giants games of late have been weird in some way. On Saturday the Giants won in 12 innings beating the New York Yankees 2-1. There were many good defensive plays by the Giants today and there were some odd, what the heck are you thinking plays too.

It was a win for the Giants, so let's focus on a few positive plays that made a win possible. On defense Angel Pagan makes a sliding catch and alertly throws to first for a double play. Watch the MLB clip of this play by clicking HERE.

Mac Williamson reaches into the stands to end the inning. Watch the MLB clip of the grab by clicking Here.

Williamson was active on offense too. In this MLB video he drives in the go ahead run in the 12th inning. Watch the clip by clicking HERE. In the 5th inning Mac hit a solo home run to tie the game 1-1. Watch the MLB clip by clicking HERE. It was a Big Mac day!

The bullpen got the job done too. There is no clip on MLB of the outstanding job Santiago Casilla did to keep the Giants in the game. He came in with two runners on base and literally kept the Yankees from getting a walk off win. With men on second and third base with less than two this was no easy task.  Casilla does not get enough credit when he works his magic.

Finally, Hunter Strickland saved the game in the 12th and the Giants losing streak is over. Watch Strickland end the game by clicking HERE.

Losing streaks are far from abnormal for any team. Most fans don't follow teams other than their own so it is easy to forget every team goes through these ups and downs of the baseball season. This six game losing streak will be forgotten with a future winning streak, especially if the Dodgers get into a losing streak similar to the one the Giants just snapped.

Jeff Samardzija  is on the mound vs Nathan Eovaldi Sunday afternoon in New York for game three of the series. For those on the west coast coverage starts early Sunday morning.

Go Samardzija! Go Giants!!!

SF Giants Looking to Break Five Game Losing Streak

UPDATE: 5:10 PST Bumgarner struggles as Blanco gets thrown out at the plate.

The San Francisco Giants have Madison Bumgarner on the mound tonight against Masahiro Tanaka. Tanaka is coming off a solid performance against the Red Sox.

Keys to a win for the Giants include the following:

1. Bumgarner needs to command his pitches, especially early not letting the Yankees obtain an early lead. The Giants don't need another away game where they play catch up.
2. Solid defense behind Bumgarner. If Bumgarner is sharp the chances are good the defense will be too. If they stay on the field too long, watch out. Keep the pitch count down and get the defense off the field.
3.  The Giants need to get the bats going early. They did a fine job in the second game against Boston. The hole was just too deep to crawl out from.  Scoreless innings early could prove disastrous to the Orange and Black. Score early and often not allowing Tanaka to get into a grove.

The best case scenario for the Giants is for Bumgarner to go deep into the game and even finish.  I would like to see him complete the eight inning with a comfortable lead and then see a one-two-three nineth by the bullpen. No Giants fans would complain if Madison pitched a complete game and the bullpen got the day off.

A strong series against the Yankees before coming home could make short memory of the five game losing streak, especially if the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in their series at Busch Stadium.

Game time is 7:05 ET, 4:05 PST

Go Bumgarner! Go Giants!!!

SF Giants Look to Matt Cain to End Four Game Losing Streak

The San Francisco Giants have come out of the all-star game looking pretty flat. San Diego was a surprise when they lost all three games. No doubt these things happen in baseball. The NL West is very competitive from top to bottom. However, it has been surprising to see such little offense after several rest days. None of the games have been big blow outs, but the lack of offense has not picked up the starting pitching.

Matt Cain comes back from injury tonight. As a fan, I am a little puzzled by the timing of his return. This couch manager would have Matt waiting and making his return to the lineup in San Francisco against a team that is not currently leading MLB in offense. Matt had some good starts before his injury and has been a great presence in the lineup his whole career. I want to be wrong, but I have a hard time visualizing a first start after injury by Matt or any other pitcher going well against this Boston lineup. Please prove me wrong Matt and go further than the fourth inning.

Matt Cain will be facing a new pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. Drew Pomeranz will make his much anticipated debut for Boston.

Go Matt Cain! Go Giants!!!

Side note: With Clayton Kershaw out for the long term with lower back issues the Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to make a big time trade. The Dodgers are looking to solidify their lineup in their chase to catch the Giants. Read the MLB story and video clip by clicking HERE.

This blogger hopes the Giants are looking to bolster their lineup with another bat and a right-handed closer. I'm just saying...

Giants Swept by Padres-That's Baseball!

SF Giants fans don't despair! Every team gets swept. It happens every year to every team since this game was invented. There is no need to panik. (pun intended)

It is true the Giants looked uninspired. The team lost one in a weird way Saturday night with that balk. Hey, in baseball weird things happen. It's what makes the game fun to watch.

It's also true the Giants front office is probably looking for an additional closer and maybe even a position player with all the injuries. They are not in panic mode, but looking at holes that need to be filled. Sometimes getting hit on the head is a good thing. It points out some changes that need to be made. Otherwise management could pretend there is no problem and no need to make any changes.

The San Francisco Giants move on to Boston. No matter what happens there and later in New York, remember it's still July and late August and September is when the nail biting begins. I personally don't bite my nails. Bratwurst and a beer is my game day practice when I have the opportunity to go.

Matt Cain will be on the mound Tuesday.

Go Matt! Go Giants!!!

MLB Second Season Starting Tonight

I like the All-Star game. It's fun for fans and acknowledges the great play during the first half of the season. Some who deserve to play get overlooked. It happens every year. Tonight the second half or what I like to call the second season begins. The second season is the one that determines which teams and players are gamers who can still be strong after a 162 game season and play in the third season, the playoffs.

The San Francisco Giants are ready for the final push. Hunter Pence should be back in the lineup towards the end of the month. Joe Panik should be ready as early as Sunday according to reports for a rehab after recovering from a concussion.

Starting pitching has been pretty consistent and there was no June slump. Santiago Casilla gets some flak from fans, but he has been a solid performer closing 21 of his 25 opportunities. Castilla does put fans on the edge of their seats and drives Bruce Bochy's blood pressure up. In the end he has done a fine job.

Should Casilla have this much pressure on him at the end of games? This blogger thinks he needs some help and that might come in the form of a trade deal before the August 1st deadline. Sergio Romo came back strong and if he stays healthy and sharp he could see a lot of action in the 8th inning with games on the line.

I could see the Giants making a deal for a right handed closer before the deadline. The Giants farm team(s) have provided solid support during the first half while key players recovered from injuries. I see the Giants making a move for an additional right handed closer before anything else.

The Giants second season starts in San Diego with a matchup of Madison Bumgarner vs Andrew Cashner.

Go Bumgarner! Go Giants!!!

San Francisco Giants Defeat Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks have been a thorn in the Giants side. In April they came to AT&T park and swept the Giants in a four game series. I was at one of those games and remember thinking, gee this is not very good. It was April and I have been around long enough to not like it, but know that April is an extension of Spring Training.

The first game of this series proved to be very interesting. Both managers were tossed. What made the tossing of Bruce Bochy interesting was his standing up for Buster Posey after the Diamondbacks pitcher threw at him twice. Seriously, why would anyone intentionally throw at Buster? It's like the bully on your block picking on the kid next door who is an Eagle Scout. Like, who does that?

Brandon Crawford stepped up to the plate after Buster walked and showed with as much emotion as you will see from Crawford on the field, that he and the rest of his teammates were not pleased. Brandon launched one deep into right field which was much, much more satisfying than seeing anyone charge the mound. Talk about justice!!! Awesome job, Brandon! An All-Star in character and one that should be in the All-Star game too. As the first half of the season ends, Crawford is at the top of the National League RBI list. To watch Brandon Crawford pay back MLB video just click HERE.

Gregor Blanco has such a great public persona and looks like such an awesome teammate. Gregor hit his first home run of the year and it was not a cheap shot by any means. I think the exchange after the homer with Pagan is priceless. Like, yes man I have power too! Watch the MLB video of of Gregor's home run by clicking HERE.

The Giants are filling highlight reels. Oh my gosh this was a beautiful catch by Bernard Span to save runs. Span has saved so many runs in the first half of this season. This was a Willie Mays style play. To see the MLB video clip click HERE.

Jake Peavy is on the mound vs Robbie Ray at 1:05pm at AT&T in game number two of this three game series before the All-Star break.

Go Peavy! Go Giants!!!

UPDATE 7/7/16- I'm Over the Fact We Are in a New Era

UPDATE-Ok, it's July 7th and I have gotten over the fact that players don't stay with one team like in the golden age of Charles Barkley. That was a pun since Charles disliked the Kevin Durant move to Golden State less than this blogger. I have moved on from my statement below and as a fan of the Warriors and Sacramento Kings, (Northern California) I am ready to look forward to watching Kevin play for the Warriors. Welcome to California, Mr. Durant :-)

Kevin Durant is a Great NBA player. Without knowing him, he seems like a good guy.

Sports in general has changed and not necessarily for the better. Imagine if Jerry West had decided in the middle of his career to be traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Boston Celtics to evolve his game and take it to the next level. Chasing $$$$ and championships has eclipsed team loyalty.

Players in all sports chasing dollars and championships has been going on for a long time now and it appears there is no turning back. A great player staying with one team because they truly want to play for that team is a thing of the past and will be rare in the future. This is sad for old timers like myself and maybe for younger fans who don't want to see their best players leave for greener pastures.

Sports in General Changed and Not Necessarily for the Better

Kevin Durant is a Great NBA player. Without knowing him, he seems like a good guy.

Sports in general has changed and not necessarily for the better. Imagine if Jerry West had decided in the middle of his career to be traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Boston Celtics to evolve his game and take it to the next level. Chasing $$$$ and championships has eclipsed team loyalty.

Players in all sports chasing dollars and championships has been going on for a long time now and it appears there is no turning back. A great player staying with one team because they truly want to play for that team is a thing of the past and will be rare in the future. This is sad for old timers like myself and maybe for younger fans who don't want to see their best players leave for greener pastures.

San Francisco Giants Win Series in Arizona

The San Francisco Giants managed to win the weekend series in Arizona. The third game of the series went into the 11th inning when Santiago Casilla threw a beautiful curveball to end the game. As always the bullpen made the game very exciting and put Giants fans on the edge of their seats. In the end a win is a win!

There is a lot of debate in terms of the bullpen and who should stay and who should go. I will write a post later sharing my viewpoints. In the meantime it's good for fans to remember the Giants are doing great with a 5 game lead as we near the All-Star break.

In this MLB video Brandon Belt hits another one of his doubles and gives the Giants a 4-1 lead. To view the MLB video click HERE.

Ramiro Pena gives the Giants the lead with a double scoring Jarod Parker in the top of the 11th. To view the  MLB clip click HERE.

Santiago Casilla has taken a lot of criticism. His numbers are very good and this curve ball is a great display of why the Giants keep winning. To view the MLB clip click HERE.

While the Giants were in Arizona this fan went to see their triple A team the Sacramento Rivercats in Sacramento. A fireworks display followed each weekend game and another show will happen tonight for the 4th of July.

Giants Lose Two in a Row to Bay Area A's

The San Francisco Giants lost the first two games at home to the visitors from across the Bay, the Oakland Athletics. The teams will play two in Oakland on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The A's took advantage of their opportunities and certainly did not look like a last place team while playing the NL West division leader.

This is baseball and why games are played. If you don't bring your "A" game every night you will get beat. It does not matter what the other teams record is. Give the A's credit. They played better than the Giants in both games and deserved to win.

Look at the box score and its pretty obvious why the A's won. Thirteen runs with three in the ninth inning says it all. You don't need to know anything about baseball to know that the bullpen can't give up three in the ninth and expect to win many games.  Give credit to the A's for timely hitting.

Enjoy some MLB clips below and feel the story of last nights game.

Parker and Span hit back to back home runs, click HERE.

Crawford clears the bases with a triple, click HERE.

Smolinski's home run put A's ahead, click HERE.

Madson strikes out Crawford to end the game, click HERE.

Tonight at 7:05 PST,  Jake Peavy is on the mound for the Giants against the A's Sean Manaea.

Go Peavy! Go Giants!!!

San Francisco Giants are on a Big Time Winning Streak!

The San Francisco Giants are winning even when things don't go smoothly. This 2016 team has some good fortunate on their side. Last nights game was a good example. In the end Santiago Casilla, but it was anything but easy. The Phillies loaded the bases in the 9th and it took a great play by Ramiro Pena to get the third out. The play was so close it had to be reviewed and the base runner was out by less than a step.  This is just one example of how the Giants have been stringing victories together. It's not just luck. This team is good!

Brandon Belt is having the breakout season fans were cheering for him to have. The guy has such great potential and when he connects it is just so beautiful to see. Last night Belt cleared the bases and put the Giants in the lead. To watch the MLB video of base clearing hit click HERE.

It's great to have Angel Pagan back in the lineup. Angel knocked in the decisive run which turned out to be a very much needed RBI in the 7th inning. To watch the MLB video of Pagan bringing in the Giants fifth run of the game in a 5-4 victory click HERE.

And  Ramiro Pena makes that great play in the 9th to end the game. Making this play took an absolutely clean pickup and great throw. To watch the MLB video of the great game ending play click HERE.

Tonight Madison Bumgarner is on the mound against Jeremey Hellickson. Game time is 7:05 PST. The Giants are going for win 13 in the last 14 games.

Go Bumgarner! Go Giants!!!

San Francisco Giants on a Roll Winning Seven Straight

The San Francisco Giants are playing great baseball. The Giants have won seven in a row going into this afternoons finale in Tampa Bay. As I writhe this post the game is inning number five and the score is 1-1 with the Giants threatening to take the lead. Men on first and second with none out. (will post this and continue editing)

Brandon Belt is on a streak of his own. Check out his home run that tied the game. MLB video of home run click HERE.

The great part of the winning streak is the way the wins are coming. A total team effort in hitting, defense, pitching, relief pitching. The relievers have taken a lot of grief from fans and they have come up big in this winning streak. Without their efforts there is no way, I would be writing about a win streak.

The Giants stranded runners on second and third in the 5th inning and Jake Peavy is coming back out to the mound.

Score still 1-1. Go Peavy, Go Giants!

Madison Bumgarner Brilliant in Win Over Brewers

Madison Bumgarner was brilliant in a win against the Milwaukee Brewers last night. Bumgarner went eight strong innings and received just enough run support and help from the Brewers to get the 3-2 win. The Giants left 13 men on base so you have to give Brewers pitching some credit in keeping their team in the game.

A big welcome back to Angel Pagan! The Giants and fans like myself missed seeing him in the lineup. Angel stepped up to the plate and delivered much needed offense. Here Angel brings in a run on a fielders choice play. Check out MLB video by clicking HERE.

MLB recap of the game. View the MLB video recap of the game by clicking HERE.

This afternoon the Giants go for a sweep against the Brewers in a 12:45 PM PT game that matches Johnny Cueto against Brewers, Jimmy Nelson. Cueto goes for his 10th victory of the season.

!!! Some great after game news revealed no break in Brandon Belt's foot after getting hit with a pitch. Belt is having what this blogger considers a break out year and Giant fans everywhere would like him to stay injury free.

Go Johnny Cueto! Go Giants!!!

Milwaukee Brewers in Town for Three Game Series

The San Francisco Giants played really good baseball over the weekend. The Saturday game celebrating the 1986 team was special and a great win too! It's great to see players from the past and that included a great talk by Mike Krukow our play by play guy we are lucky to listen to all season. Needless to say, it was awesome to take the series from the Dodgers two games to one.

Chase Anderson will be on the mound against Matt Cain this evening at 7:15pm. Welcome back Matt!

The Brewers don't have a great record, but they come into tonights game playing well and over the last 10 games are 6-4. The Brewers would like to leave San Francisco with a .500 record. Their current record is 30-33. Like any MLB game the Giants will need to bring their pitching and defense in order to get a W. The bats lighting up Anderson would be nice, but Giants fans have become use to low scoring games.

The Giants lead the West by 5 games going into this series with a record of 38-26. Giants fans everywhere have to love that! Go Giants! Widen that lead as the official start of summer approaches.

I will be posting during game time.

Welcome back Matt Cain! Go Giants!

Great Win for Giants, Peavy and the Bullpen

Jake Peavy pitched really well again tonight and the Giants beat the Dodgers to take this three game series in San Francisco. It was a really well played game and series by both teams. One run games are very exciting and this one was no exception. Every play counted.

And great defense can make a huge difference. Watch Mac Williamson take away a hit. MLB video click HERE.

Brandon Belt crushed another one after Joe Panik got onboard. The two run homer was all the Giants needed. MLB video of Belt's home run click HERE.

And let's give a LOT of credit to the entire bullpen. They have been criticized a lot this season. Great job guys!!! Castilla gets the last out video from MLB click HERE.

Update: 6/11/2016-LA Dodgers vs SF Giants Tonight at 7:15 PST

Update 6/11/2016 Ouch! For Giants fans these late inning loses are happening too often and are painful. Final score in favor of the Dodgers 3-2. Santiago Casilla gave up a home run in the ninth inning breaking the 2-2 score. I won't beat up on Casilla. There are plenty of critics in line waiting to do that. I have always liked him in relief. I think it's time to give Casilla a break from the closer role. He was always good in middle relief and should be part of that setup role. Manager Bochy must be thinking about it. There was no scoring for the Dodgers other than two runs in the first inning and the run in the ninth that broke the camels back. The below turned out to be way too true in terms of keys for the game.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are in town for another classic and fun series with the San Francisco Giants. Clayton Kershaw, 8-1 and Johnny Cueto 9-1 are on the mound in what could be a pitchers dual. Both pitchers have had great starts to the 2016 season, but you never know if an anticipated pitching dual will actually materialize. It sure looks promising the way both have pitched going into this matchup.

The Giants are in first place four games ahead of the Dodgers. Their respective records are 36-25 and 32-29. The Giants would like to expand that lead and of course the Dodgers would like to leave town one game behind taking momentum into their next series.

Keys to a Giants win will be to get runs early against Kershaw. If Kershaw gets into a groove it will be tough to score in the mid to late innings.  Without any doubt Giants fans would like the opposite for Cueto. If Johnny comes out strong in the first couple innings and gets into a rhythm, the Dodgers could be in for a long night.

I will update this post during game time.

Go Giants!!!

Giants Off Today After Win Against Red Sox

If you have anxiety problems becoming a Giants fan is probably not a good idea. The Giants bullpen can turn a middle aged fan into a senior citizen in half a season. On Wednesday night they did what they needed to get a win and relieve some anxiety that often comes in the last couple innings.

Mac Williamson a rookie up from Sacramento hit his first MLB home run and that broke a 1-1 tie and ended up being enough for the win. Williamson almost became the goat as he dropped a ball in a windy left field. The bullpen did their job and ended it for the Red Sox and made for a positive, memory packed evening for Mac Williamson. Giants fans everywhere hope that is one of many home runs you hit as a Giant. 

Brandon Belt showed off his beautiful swing dropping one in McCovey Cove making it a 1-1 game. MLB video of splash shot click HERE.

Mac Williamson's home run to give the Giants a 2-1 lead. MLB video of  Williamson's first home run click HERE.

Hunter Strickland came in to get the last batter and his first save as a Giant.  MLB video of Strickland's save click HERE.

San Francisco Giants a Different Perspective

All the San Francisco couch managers are beating-up on Santiago Casilla today. Casilla pitched in the 10th inning giving up three hits and the Boston Red Sox went on to win 5-3. Casilla has been struggling as of late, but this loss just like the previous two losses by the Giants are not all on the heads of the bullpen.

The last three games the Giants have scored and had leads. Watching this game and every other game during the season most fans will tell you the game is not going to go five or six innings with a 3-2 lead and end with a 3-2 score. It's true the bullpen needs to close out more close games. It's also true the offense needs to score late in games. Scoring early and then having an offensive drought puts the bullpen in the position of not having any cushion for mistakes and sometimes good teams score regardless of how great the opposing pitching.

If the Giant are going to make a push for the playoffs later in the season it will take both pitching and offense. The Cardinals over the weekend and the Red Sox last night proved that scoring late in the game is just as important as having a solid bullpen.

Here is a look at Jarod Parker's home run to put the Giants on the board. MLB.com video click HERE.

Go Giants!!!

SF Giants Give Up Leads in Saint Louis

The San Francisco Giant scored early in a couple games, but could not hold on to the lead. When you play a team like the Cardinals you can't score too many runs. The Cardinals pack power and can hurt you with the long ball.

The Giants bullpen found this out in two of three games at Busch Stadium. I think a lot of teams will experience this when visiting the great city of Saint Louis.

There is no point in hanging the heads. It's time to move on and think more about the overall success  instead of dwelling on getting beat by a powerful lineup.

On a lighter note watch Madison Bumgarner make his case to be in the home run derby. MLB.com video click HERE.

SF Giants Feel the Power of Cardinals Bats

The San Francisco Giants were cruising along with a 4-0 lead in Saint Louis and then the Cardinals do what they do best. Two long balls and the game was pretty much over. I think MLB will see the Cardinals do this to a lot of teams over the summer.

That being said, I am going to change to another subject. I went to the Science Exploritorium in San Francisco on Saturday. If you plan on seeing a Giants game at night, visiting the science exhibits during the day would be a great family option. If you want to learn more about the Science Exploratorium, I have included the link to their website. Visiting their web site by clicking HERE.

I took a couple pictures of San Francisco and the Bay from the second floor of the Science Exploratorium.

On Sunday, Jake Peavy is on the mound for the San Francisco Giants vs Carlos Martinez of the Saint Louis Cardinals. This is a huge opportunity for Jake to show he can tame a very powerful and talented Cardinals lineup.

Go Jake! Go Giants!!!

SF Giants Up 6-0 in Atlanta with Bumgarner on the Mound

The San Francisco Giants bullpen had a bad day and could not shut down the Atlanta Braves late in the game Wednesday evening. Give Atlanta credit they scored late when they needed to and Giants relief just came up short. It happens. That's baseball. No point in pointing fingers.

The Giants are up 6-0 in the fifth inning in the afternoon showdown at Turner filed.  They are in first place so Giants fans like myself need to keep our perspective when an occasional blown save happens. Again, that's baseball. Lots of ups and downs during the season.

Like home runs? Madison Bumgarner,  Joe Panik and Buster Posey have all homered and we are still in the sixth inning. Bumgarner hit the first one giving himself a 2-0 lead. Let's close this one out.

Go Giants!!!

San Francisco Giants Bounce Back in Atlanta

The stop in Atlanta did not start well for the San Francisco Giants on Monday. The Braves came out with strong pitching and also took advantage of Jeff Samardzija not hitting his spots scoring five runs and winning 5-1. Jeff has been solid for the Giants, but this was not his day.

Tuesday was a different story for the guys wearing Orange and Black. Jake Peavy was on the mound and pitched his best game of the year, maybe his best game as a San Francisco Giant. He one-hit the Braves through seven innings. And he did it with his bat too! Jake hit a single and took off to second base shortly after attempting a steal only to be rewarded for his effort when Bernard Span hit a triple and Jake scored in what ended up being the only run support he needed.

MLB.com video click of Peavy scoring only run he needed. Watch the clip by clicking HERE.

As a Giants fan, I am really happy for Jake. He went through a lot early in the season and appears to be locating pitches much better. Great job!

Albert Suarez takes the mound at 4:10 PST vs Atlanta's Williams Perez. Suarez is making his first San Francisco Giants start filling in for an injured Matt Cain. Suarez deserves the start after doing some very fine relief work for the Giants.

Go Suarez! Go Giants!

San Francisco Giants Johnny Cueto vs Chris Rusin at Coors Field

Pitching, pitching, pitching is a very old baseball motto and a very relevant one. When pitching is good to great the opportunities to win are always there.

Today is no exception as Johnny Cueto takes the mound vs Chris Rusin and the Colorado Rockies. Coors field has been a difficult place for the Giants to play. One of the announcers on the last broadcast said the Giants had lost 81 games out of 100 played there.

Madison Bumgarner pitched well through six innings. Buster Posey provided early offense hitting one of his two home runs in the first inning. Buster ended up with six RBI's. Watch out MLB if Buster gets on one of his hitting streaks.

Bumgarner may not have had his best stuff and the bullpen had some rough spots, but the Giants offense kicked into gear and it was their day to help out the pitching staff. Every bullpen has days where a reliever steps in and it is just not their day. Javier Lopez is a great all time reliever, but he had a rough outing. It happens and on Saturday the offense stepped it up and covered his back.

Buster Posey's three run homer in the first inning. Watch MLB.com video by clicking HERE.

Buster Posey's second three run homer to give SF Giants the lead. Watch MLB.com video by clicking HERE.

Go Giants!

Jake Peavy has Strong Start and Giants Win-AT&T Pictures

Jake Peavy was on the ropes when it comes to starting for the San Francisco Giants. It's no secret that he struggled with his command. There has been nothing wrong with his stuff, but in MLB all it takes is a pitch or two over the plate and the outcome of the game changes in the oppositions favor.

Peavy went a strong seven innings on Wednesday. This blogger had the pleasure of watching at the park and applauding when he departed with a 2-1 lead. The Giants needed a strong performance as it took them extra innings to put the Padres away and win with a walk off by Brandon Crawford in the tenth.

Brandon Crawford's walk off single in the tenth inning MLB.com video click HERE.

Kelby Tomlinson's rocket throw to home plate! Oh my gosh it was like a throw across the infield! Watch the MLB.com video by clicking HERE.

Here are a few pictures of my favorite place to go on a Wednesday afternoon!