...the kids are alright!

whenever you have eugenio velez and manny burris in the starting lineup, there's got to be hope. Now if we could only get them both in the middle infield, along with Lewis, Winn, and Rowand in the outfield, benjie behind the plate, bowker at first, and castillo at third, that's almost a reasonable lineup.

and how 'bout Lincecum??!! hit 97 on the radar with runners in scoring position. a .500 doesn't seem that ridiculous now, does it?

here's a picture of Manny, in case you wondered what he looks like. get used to it--keeper!

...still, not too bad

st. louis is a pretty good team, but lincecum and sanchez made them look ordinary. Or, maybe, just maybe, we can win half of the games with just pitching. if sanchez steps up as a true number three starter, behind linc. and cain, who cares about the 126m man and the rest of the schmoes. at least they are fun to watch, scrappy, decent defensively. not sure I want to bash sabaen yet---too many others have had a field day with him, but he's doing what he can, and even he would tell you that he's made some mistakes that have put the giants in this hole.

back to rotisserie, just wish any 9 was as good as the giants. might have a fire sale before May Day--reyes, glaus, hawpe, all candidates to be traded for strong keepers for next year. just can't get out the cycle of also ran status with the keepers I've been bringing to the table on draft day year after year. for my loyal readers, come 'n get 'em!

...so far, not terrible

Talking about the Giants. They are fairly competitive in all games they have played (save the home opener, and that first road trip) and look live against better teams (SD, St. Louis). Yes, some of the losses are gauling, when Linc. and Cain put us in a position to win. But, more entertaining and competitive that I had expected, and so that merits sneaking into some ballgames after the 7th inning, when in the 'hood. Besides, I can scout the opposing team's bullpen from row 13 in 102 and get a good read on who is live, who is up and coming, and who is just "...a bum." Plus, very colorful, clean, albeit drunken commentary from those sections, riding the relievers.

The Beauty of Spring

Rays’ reliever Al Reyes arrested after fight in Tampa bar

TAMPA, Fla. (AP)—Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Al Reyes was shocked with a stun gun and arrested early Friday after police say he fell against a ceramic pot in a bar, got up and picked a fight with a man he thought pushed him.

Reyes, treated at the scene for a cut on his nose, was charged with being in a fight that disturbed the peace. Eduardo Mora was charged with battery. Both men were released on their own recognizance, police said.

Witnesses told officers that Reyes, who turned 38 on Thursday, appeared to be intoxicated when he exchanged words with Mora, who punched the 6-foot-1, 240-pound pitcher in the face at the Hyde Park Cafe around 2:30 a.m.

A police statement said that when bouncers grabbed Mora, Reyes began spitting blood on patrons and swinging his arms. When the bouncers were unable to control Reyes, a police officer working extra duty at the club intervened, asking Reyes to stop.

When the pitcher “continued spitting blood and thrashing about,” the officer told Reyes he was going to use his Taser, which knocked Reyes to the ground. He was shocked a second time after not complying with commands to stay down.

The Rays did not have an immediate comment.

Home Opener

never have I been so blase about a Giants home opener as I am today. I usually have a rooftop party in SOMA, get lubed, and enjoy myself. But seriously, what is there to look forward to this year? Yes, my usual foursome will be there, and the beer at 21st Amendment will be flowing pre and post game. Yes, it is sunny, even as I write this at 7 a.m. from the notoriously foggy Sunset Neighborhood in SF.

I used to wake up and the first thought would be "Giants!" Now my first thought is "ugh....."

Sad state of affairs, but I guess that's what it took to build this ballyard and service that huge debt. Just hope my own debt service isn't so bleak....

Here's to 50 years of baseball in SF, and the original SF Home Opener in '58 with Willie.

"Willie Mays take the field for the San Francisco Giants
first home game on April 15, 1958: In front of a packed house at Seals Stadium (23,448 attendance), the Giants beat the Dodgers 8-0 as Ruben Gomez throws a shutout. Orlando Cepeda hit the first home run of his career in his second at-bat, setting the tone for his rookie-of-the-year season. Photo by Jon Brenneis"

post draft

babi draft is now history. my strategy this year was interesting--punt wins and saves, load up on the other six categories, get coveted guys who are eminently tradable (Reyes). Take a chance on some undervalues, injury-prone guys (Griffey and Glaus) who are tradable once they prove they are still productive.

Other strategies that I employed: load up on set up guys: Marmol and Heileman, and hope for the best (or worst for Wood and Wagner). Either or both will be excellent values once they take over (not holding my breath with Heileman, but he could end up as the closer on Seattle, or some other team, if the Mets get desperate for more pitching, OF help, etc.)

Finally, got E. Velez for only $16. Really surprised that the homers in babi let him go so cheap, as he's the only one worth picking up on the Giants, and could be a fifty sb guy. Will certainly get his five hundred ab's this year, as Boch already has him in the IF and OF every day.

That's all folks. rip away.