Houston pick up Jose Castillo

On 8/13/08 the Giants designated infielder Jose Castillo for assignment. Castillo played mostly second base, and third base for the Giants. He also has experance playing shortstop. Houston Astros picked Castillo up off waivers on Wednesday (8/20/08). There are reports that Houston may use him for double-switch situations and expand his role to include the outfield.

Photo Credit: MLB / Houston Astros Roster
http://houston.astros.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=425489

U.S. Baseball Team - Bronze

In the first round of the 2008 Olympic Baseball Medal Round, USA was first defeated by Cuba 10-2. Then USA went on to defeat Japan, 8-4 and earn the Bronze. Nate Schierholtz repersented the Giants organization and the USA very well at the 2008 Games.


Nate Schierholtz
AVG.216, GP-GS 9-9, AB 37, R 7, H 8, 2B 4, 3B 0, HR 1, RBI 6, TB 15, SLG%.405, BB 2 HBP 1, SO 9, GDP 0, OB%.275, SF 0, SH 0, SB-ATT 0-0, PO 10, A 1, E 0, FLD% 1.000.


Congradulations Team USA...Hope baseball will be back in 2016.

Oopps, I did it again!

Dodgers, General Manager, Ned Colletti (Former Giants Assistant General Manager) re-acquiring (2006) pitcher Greg Maddux from the Padres. The intent is to capture the National League West.

To get Maddux, the Dodgers traded him for two Minor Leaguers to be named (cash considerations) to San Diego. San Diego and the Dodgers will divide the remaining $2.3 million of Maddux's $10 million contract.

First Manny Mania, now Maddux Mania. Go,Diamondbacks!!!

Photo Credit: Francis Specker/AP
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/14594661/

Enough Said

Team USA beats China 9-1. Tempers flared (with ejections), Nate Schierholtz scored on hard slide and followed it up with a two-run double.



The USA's Nate Schierholtz collides with China catcher Yang Yang as he scores a run during the Americans' testy 9-1 win in the preliminary round. The game featured two home-plate collisions, five hits-by-pitch and three ejections.

Photo and caption credit: AP Photo / August 18, 2008
http://www.amny.com/sports/olympics/ny-spobase0819,0,4577314.story

Palmer Gets Schooled

Welcome to the Big Leagues.

Matt Palmer's debut in the Major Leagues, yesterday, will not be one that statistically he will want to remember, however; he will never forget it. Palmer got the call, just before game time, when Jonathan Sanchez was placed on the 15-day disabled due to a strained left shoulder.

Palmer started off looking good in the first inning but then came the second inning. His dream outing got derailed. Once Atlanta saw his primary pitches, in the first inning, they adjusted to tag Palmer for six runs and seven hits in the next 1 1/3 innings. This would set the table for the Giants 11-5 lost.

Palmer is a solid pitcher that can hit his spots. He needs to build his confidence in his secondary pitches. Now that Palmer has made his debut he needs learn how quickly the big league hitters adjust. If he is to stay at this leave he will need to mix up his approach by intertwining his off speed pitches with his fast ball.

The most important thing for Matt Palmer is to not dwell on the outing or get caught up in the statistics. He needs to look at both the positives and analyze what he can improve on. This is were having an experienced catcher like Bengie Molina can be a valuable asset.

He is pitching this season for 2009 and beyond. Keep bringing up the our youth. The count is now at 15. Better they learns the lessons of the big leagues this season than wait till next year.

Matt Palmer Debut

Matt Palmer will make his Major League debut as a Giant, due to Jonathan Sanchez having a reported shoulder strain.



Photo: Left to Right Brad Hennessey, Brian Stirm, Matt Palmer
Photo History: TBC Night in Hagerstown, 8/2/03...Hagerstown Suns South Atlantic League, (then) Class A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants 
Photo Credit: ejs199
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ak_or_bust/2258379498/sizes/m/

Fans Voted

Thank you for those who took the time to voted. Please return each week for the results and a new question. Please fell free to submit future questions you would like to be asked.

Focusing on 2009, who should be the three starting outfielders next season and two replacements (choose up to five)?

Fred Lewis 100%; Aaron Rowand 95%; Nate Schierholtz 80%; Eugenio Velez 60%;
Darren Ford 60%; Randy Winn 35%; Dave Roberts 30%; Clay Timpner 15%.

"Beat LA...Beat LA...Beat LA"

Lincecum has been labeled the ace of the staff, but Matt Cain is the anchor. After 126 pitches (81 strikes /41 balls) allowing only four runs in seven innings, it is most unfortunate Cain would only receive a no decision.

On this day Emmanuel Burriss and Eugenio Velez would be the heroes of the game. Burriss would make hit to score the tying run. Velez, known more for his speed and defense, would hit in Aaron Rowand for the walk off, game-winner.

I hope, Cain, Sanchez and all the others strive to continue to be Dodger spoilers. 

Starting Lineup:
Giants Pitching Totals: 158 total pitches / 105 Strikes / 53 Balls
Dodgers Pitching Totals: 154 total pitches / 104 Strikes / 50 Balls

Roberts (LF), Ochoa (SS), Winn (RF), Rowand (CF), Bowker (1B), Castillo (3B), Burriss (2B), Holm (C)

Photo Credit: MLB - SF Giants / Roster
Cain: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=430912
Velez: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=464299

Fans have Voted for Ivan Ochoa (SS)

Omar Vizquel has been one of the best and most consistent shortstops to ever play the game.  He has the softest hands and quick feet.  However, his offense is presently none existent.  He is hitting a meager .175.  

Omar Vizquel and his arthoscopic repaired knee (February 2008) need to step aside for fellow Venezuelan, Ivan Ochoa.  Ochoa need the playing time.

Like Vizquel, Ochoa has shown remarkable defensive skills, but has a history struggling offensively.  After six years with the Cleveland Indians he signed with the Giants in 2006. In 2007, while with Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies.  Ochoa spent time strengthening his bat.  He raised his average to .296 in 47 games. Ochoa continued to progress in 2008.  He started with the Grizzlies until he got the call in July.  While with the Grizzlies he batted .318 and stole 20 bases in 84 games. He does not hit for power and is hitting .282.

Omar Visquel is the consummate team player. He has agreed to step aside, publicly.  I think Giants should retain him in as a special assistant role.  Vizquel could be a valuable asset in the further development of Ochoa.  Ochoa grew up watching his fellow countryman, Vizquel.  There could be no better teacher than his boyhood hero.  

It is always difficult to see a hall a hall of famer to close out there playing carrier.  Especially when they are so grounded.  Vizquel has been a ballplayer, leader, and teacher. Now he can focus more time with his Vizquel is an avid painting, sculpting, playing music and his family. 

Fan Poll Results - August 3 - August 10, 2008:
Who should be the Giants everyday starting shortstop for the rest of the (2008) season?
Ivan Ochoa 81%
Emmanuel Burriss 18%
Omar Vizquel 0 %

Photo Credit: MLB - SF Giants
http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=430649

Giants keep Dodgers from 1st

Aaron Rowand
Originally uploaded by stickerbandit

Giants & Dodgers. Dodger had a chance to take first place in the division this evening. The only thing standing in there way was the Giants. The game was knotted up in a1-1 tie, but who does Bruce Bochy put in...Tyler Walker?! Tyler Walker in the 10th! Are you kidding me! 2 pitches, one home run (jeff Kent), and the puts the Giants down 2-1. Who would you rather pitch in late innings Armando Benitez or Tyler Walker? At least Walker cares.

Giants bring in a run to tie it 2-2 in the bottom of the tenth. Then proceeded to load the bases. Rowand, singled to bring in the winning run. Giants win, and keep the Dodgers from moving into 1st place.

Kevin Correia struggled but worked through it and kept the Giants in the game. Billy Sandler was great. Tyler Walker...enough said. I believe Bruce Bochy should have put in Alex Hinshaw! Ironically, Walker is the winning pitcher of record.

The bigger question is with the lacking offense why did Bochy leave Omar Vizquel and his .179 in until the ninth?

Pitching:
Giants: 187 total pitches / 109 Strikes / 78 Balls
Dodgers: 126 total pitches / 88 Strikes / 38 Balls


SF Lineup:
Winn (RF), Burriss (2B), Lewis (LF), Molina (C), Rowand (CF), Bowker (1B), Castillo (3B), Vizquel (SS)

No “Fun” for Zito in the third!

It was Friday night and I was torn between watching J.T. O'Sullivan, Alex Smith and Shaun Hill of the 49ers or Barry Zito taking on the Dodgers. I primarily watched the Giants game, but all three 49ers quarterbacks were less that spectacular in the 18-6 loss to the Oakland Raiders. Giants, were not much better.

For the Giants and Barry Zito the wheels fell off in the third inning. In Zitos most resent comments he stressed the correlation between having fun with his positive results. The fun came to an end in the third against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

On a 3-2 count Zito, with no outs, gave up a home run to Danny Ardoin. This was his first home run in three years. The home run was followed by two singles by (pitcher) Brad Penny and Matt Kemp. Zito then walked Russell Martin to load the bases. Jeff Kent then hit a shot to right field (double), to clear the bases. Manny Ramirez flies out for the first out. Casey Blake sacrifice flied to right field, which moved Kent over to third. Zito then walked Andrew Jones. Angle Berroa hit a shot to left field. This wold score Kent. Lewis guns it to Ivan Ochoa to Bengie Molina to get Jones at home plate for the third out.

Zito came back for more in the fourth. He gave up a lead off walk to Ardoin. Then Penny bunted him over. Zito made a good play to pick off Ardoin, in an attempt to get back second. Then Kemp Flied out to left. Zito would continue to pitch the 5th. Dodgers leading 5-1.

Both Zito and Penny would be done after the fifth inning. For San Francisco, Keiichi Yabu would pitch the sixth and seventh. Geno Espineli would get the call for the eighth and ninth. Los Angeles would counter with Cory Wade for the sixths and Chan Ho Park for the last three innings. Both pens gave up a home run in there perspective four innings of work.

Keiichi Yabu gave up a home run to Casey Blake in the 6th. Yabu also gave up two walks in the inning. However, neither of these would score. Dodger would now lead 6-1. Bengie Molina would answer with a home run a one run, home run in the bottom of the sixth. This would be the final score...Dodgers 6-2.

As the curtain begins to close on the Giants season, it is just opening for the 49ers.

SF Pitch Count:
Barry Zito (SF): 92 total pitch count - 52 Strikes / 40 Balls
Keiichi Yabu (SF): 45 total pitch count - 25 Strikes / 20 Balls
Geno Espineli (SF): 27 total pitch count - 19 Strikes / 8 Balls

LA Pitch Count:
Brad Penny (LA): 76 total pitch count - 44 Strikes / 32 Balls
Cory Wade (LA): 27 total pitch count - 16 Strikes / 11 Balls
Chan Ho Park (LA): 36 total pitch count - 21 Strikes / 16 Balls
Jonathan Broxton (LA): 7 total pitch count - 3 Strikes / 4 Balls

SF Lineup:
Winn (RF), Ochoa (SS), Lewis (LF), Molina (C), Rowand (CF), Bowker (1B), Aurilia (3B), Burriss (2B)

Photo: by rKnight
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rknight/1429494246/sizes/m/

Sweep Dreams...Not!

Kevin Correia
Originally uploaded by ceugene

The Giants old guys (Veterans) get there day in the sun in San Diego. The starting lineup included Dave Roberts (LF), Rich Aurilia (3B) and Omar Vizquel (SS), all started today. They ended the day taking the loss (4-1) on four hits.

The turning point came in the sixth inning. Kevin Correia sailed through the first five innings but labored in the sixth inning. He would pitch 23 in this inning (10 strikes/13 balls). The inning began with a leadoff double. Correia then got a pop fly foul to get the first out. Correia then proceeded to walk the next two batter, which loaded the bags. Hudley (SD) then connected for sacrifice fly to center field and drove in a run, to break the 1-1 tie. Rowand then made a great catch to end the inning. 2 runs would be enough on this day.

The score became 3-1 when Alex Hinshaw (SF) allowed another run in the seventh. Padres would score again in the eighth. Osiris Matos (SF) would give up a one home run on a hanging breaking ball. This would make the score 4-1

Giants miss out on the sweep. Giant should start Ochoa, Lewis, and Burriss every day.
----
Pitching:
Kevin Correia (SF): 6 1/3 innings; 96 total pitch count - 55 Strikes / 41 Balls
Alex Hinshaw (SF) 2/3 innings; 18 total pitch count 13 Strikes / 5 Balls
Osiris Matos (SF) 1 inning; 20 total pitch count - 12 Strikes / 8 Balls

Starting Lineup:
Roberts (LF), Burriss (2B), Winn (RF), Molina (C), Rowand (CF), Bowker (1B), Aurilia (3B), Vizquel (SS)

Zito wins...Zito wins...Zito wins!

Giants win 2-0 because of a stellar eight inning performance by Barry Zito. 

Barry Zito looked like Zito of old.  He was able to change speeds, hit locations and managed to stay ahead in the count.  This may have been his best pitched game in a Giant uniform. 

Fred Lewis finds comfort in the third spot in the batting order.  

Brian Wilson shut the door on 16 pitches.  Strikes out one and two ground outs to first baseman Rich Aurilia.

Inning 1

Jake Peavy (SD): 15 total pitch count - 9 Strikes / 6 Balls

Barry Zito (SF): 24 total pitch count - 14 Strikes / 10 Balls 

Inning 2

Jake Peavy (SD): 27 total pitch count - 17 Strikes / 10 Balls

Barry Zito (SF): 35 total pitch count - 22 Strikes / 13 Balls

Inning 3

Jake Peavy (SD): 35 total pitch count -  22 Strikes / 13 Balls

Barry Zito (SF): 49 total pitch count -  30 Strikes /  20 Balls

Inning 4

Jake Peavy (SD): 47 total pitch count - 31 Strikes / 16 Balls

Barry Zito (SF):  56 total pitch count - 34 Strikes /  22 Balls

Inning 5

Jake Peavy (SD): 62 total pitch count - 40 Strikes / 22 Balls

Barry Zito (SF):  72 total pitch count - 44 Strikes / 28 Balls

Inning 6

Jake Peavy (SD): 78 total pitch count - 50 Strikes / 28 Balls

Barry Zito (SF):  88 total pitch count - 54 Strikes / 34 Balls

Padres leave bases loaded.

Inning 7

Jake Peavy (SD):  107 total pitch count - 69 Strikes / 38 Balls

Barry Zito (SF):  99 total pitch count -  61 Strikes / 38 Balls

Giants score: Molina singles to scores Lewis

Inning 8

San Diego Pitching change

Clay Hensley (SD): 17 total pitch count - 11 Strikes / 6 Balls

Barry Zito (SF): 116 total pitch count - 73 Strikes / 43 Balls

Inning 9

San Diego Pitching change.

Cia Meredith (SD): 13 total pitch count - 8 Strikes / 5 Balls

San Diego Pitching change. 

Justin Hampson (SD): 7 total pitch count - 4 Strikes / 3 Balls

San Francisco pitching change.

Brian Wilson (SF): 16 total pitch count - 10 Strikes / 6 Balls

Giants Score:  Emmanuel Burriss doubles to score Rich Aurilia.

Starting Lineup:

Winn (RF), Ochoa (SS), Lewis (LF), Molina (C), Rowand (CF), Bowker (1B), Castillo (3B), Burriss (2B), and Zito (P).  

Photo credit: by eürodäna's 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/djsacche/5630277

Youth Now! Lincecum ND!

Last night (Friday) Giants youth movement went into full swing as Tim Lincecum continues to amaze and Giants beat San Diego 3-2 in ten innings.

Through Lincecum had to be satisfied with a no decision, on this night, he must be please that the Giants management took steps in rebuilding by playing Ochoa (SS), Lewis (LF), Bowker (1B), and Burriss (2B). Now that the trade deadline passed, “management” is no longer forces to showcase the veterans. The 2009 season has now started.

Lincecum managed to strikeout 11 in seven innings. Tim Lincecum threw 114 pitches. Lincecum turned in his fifth double-digit strikeout performance of the year, to lead the and National League with 167 for the year. Matt Cain remains fourth on this list.

The bull pen miss stepped and allow the game to become tied. However came back in the tenth. Brian Wilson received the save.

Finally...the Giants are turning the page. Lets just hope they do not go back and read past chapters.

Photo credit: by Dave Nelson
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gadgetcat/2455628540/