The Giant San Francisco Blog

How cool would that be?

There were more nods to Giants history.  A statue of Orlando Cepada and plaques honoring Giants of the past.  AT&T Ballpark does an excellent job of honoring the team history and making it feel like the Giants have always played here.

Yes, the Garlic Fries Live Up to the Hype

Besides the coffee necessary to ward off hypothermia, the ballpark has lots of great food.  The first thing I searched for were the garlic fries.  I found them here.

The fries were all they were cracked up to be...if you like garlic....a lot.  I do, so I enjoyed.  If do not like garlic, you may not like AT&T Park.  Even if you do not order the garlic fries, the stadium reeks of the smell of garlic.  No vampires here.

At the second game, I had a hot dog that was pretty basic, but good.  On Sunday, I treated myself to a Cha-Cha bowl, which includes black beans, rice and jerk chicken topped with pineapple salsa.  It was my favorite!

Giant Baseball Fans

I like them.  They were into the game.  Loud, at times.  They were knowledgeable and enjoyed the good close games.   I wore my Cardinals gear.  Took and gave some very good-natured ribbing, but never at any time did I feel uncomfortable. 

They told me stories of Candlestick Park and how much colder it was there (I cannot imagine.)  There were stories of Barry Bonds homeruns, taking the ferry to the game and how much they hate the Dodgers. 

Of course, I am a respectful fan when I am visitor, and I know that helps.  Once, I did cheer loudly and obnoxiously, punching my fist in a "you're out" sign, when Yadier Molina caught Fred Lewis stealing 2^nd.  He was out by a mile.  I yelled, "That's my Molina!"  However, the Giants fans were too busy groaning and yelling at Lewis and the umpire to notice.

Then, there is always the non-fans at the game.  People that just go because it's something to do.  Or, someone gave them tickets.  On Saturday, a young couple sat next to me and spent seven innings cuddled-up discussing their relationship. 

Seriously?  Two Cy Young pitchers are on the mound and this guy thinks this is a good time to talk about how he does not have a job, but was still looking for work here.  He may have to go back to Michigan, but he really did like her.  Maybe, they could find a way to make it work.  Her body language said that she was all into him as he put his are around her and pulled her to him.  Gag.

Or, maybe, it was just cold.  How could you be all into a loser without a job who (even worse) does not get baseball?  What kind of man discusses his feelings during a baseball game?  No real man, that's for sure.  She could do better.  Anyone could.  Secretly, I think she was hoping that his moving back to Michigan could be her out pitch.  If she knew what an out pitch was, that is.  I  went to make a coffee run and thankfully they were gone when I came back. 

Warming Up

It turns out on Friday's they open the park an hour earlier than normal so that fans can watch Giants batting practice.  This was my first view of the field.

The starting pitchers were getting ready to take their BP.  Here is a shot of Lincecum, Zito, Sanchez and Johnson.  Maybe, San Franciscans are used to it by now, but how cool is it to be able to take a picture of three Cy Young winners...all together...in the same uniform? 

Here Randy Johnson practices laying down a bunt as Tim Lincecum looks on.

I wondered how many times Randy Johnson has practiced bunting in his long career.  I wondered what Lincecum would be doing at Johnson's age. 

In talking with a local the next day, Randy Johnson's name came up.  The San Franciscan was complaining about the acquisition.  Things like, "paying him a lot of money for what?...he's not what he once was...grumble....grumble."

In thinking about it later, I wondered who the guy thought they should have in the rotation instead of Johnson?  Seriously.  He is not the pitcher he once was, but he is still better than most.  In addition, he brings leadership and experience to a very young talented pitching staff.  And, he sells tickets.  This may be his last season.  He is chasing win #300.  People will turn out to see him.  I was disappointed that I would miss him.  Although, I did not want him to get #300 against my Cardinals. 

After the pitchers finished batting practice, the Giants did something that you do not often witness in Major League Baseball, they took infield.

Watching a major league team take infield is like watching a beautifully choreographed ballet.  The movement.  The symmetry. The rhythm.  The dance. The fun.  

Pablo Sandoval tags out an imaginary runner trying to get back to first base:

Here Bengie Molina prepares for infield practice.  He wearing a very serious game face...

...until Pablo Sandoval comes along.  I love watching Sandoval.  He plays like a big kid.  Always full of energy and quick with a smile.  His joy is contagious, as you can see here as he leans in for a fist bump, before heading to first.

The Giants program contained a great article by Jeff Fletcher on the Venezuelan native, Sandoval.  He learned to hit with his brother pitching a tape ball because they could not afford baseballs.  A tape ball breaks crazily, but Sandoval learned to hit it.  This makes him a challenge for pitchers now because he seems able to get the barrel of the bat on most anything thrown somewhere in the vicinity of the plate.

In the article two players were quoted regarding Sandoval:

Barry Zito: "He just goes out there and plays the game like a kid.  He has a good time."

Bengie Molina:  "If you grew up where he grew up, that's pressure.  When you get a bat in your hand and step up to the plate and try to hit a ball, it's not as much pressure as you think.  I think our lives in general [in Latin America] gave us a lot of pressure.  This is just a game you try to play.  That's how he sees it.  It's just a game, and he's having a lot of fun."

And then, there was Sandoval on Sandoval:  "I love this game.  I just go play for fun.  I just go on the field and help my teammates, give 100 percent for the fans.  We play for the fans.  I just want to be happy."

Oh, if we all could approach our jobs with that attitude!  All this talk about having fun on the field reminds me of a Cardinal for whom the field has become more of a mine field than a play ground.

That would be the Cardinals' shortstop, Khalil Greene, who was placed on the DL due to what they are calling "anxiety".  Joe Strauss' May 31st St. Louis Post Dispatch article says the following 

Greene compares the condition to someone with a fear of heights suddenly perched on a 10th-story ledge.

"You become dizzy or feel ill. But you can pull yourself off the ledge and come inside," Greene said. "When I'm in the game I can't get off the ledge. The feeling doesn't go away."

What a contrast between the two infielders.  Sandoval, perhaps feeling like a kid skipping school to go play on the sandlot, while Greene feels like he is standing on the edge of an abyss that will swallow him if he fails. 

I wish that we could send Greene to hang out with Sandoval for a couple weeks.  Perhaps, Sandoval could pitch him some tape balls, and Greene could find within himself the pure joy that comes from playing this game like a big kid.

What a Minute, I Thought this was a Cardinals Blog?

And, it is.  Enough on the Giants. 

During the Giants batting practice, the Cardinals started to appear, then the media:

Former Cardinals pitcher and Fox Sports commentator, Al Hrabosky (aka The Mad Hungarian chats with Cardinals hitting coach, Hal McRae.  Hrabosky and McRae were teammates at Kansas City in 1978-1979. 

Then, good old Mike Shannon.  Former Cardinals third baseman and radio voice of the Cardinals on KTRS.  It's always fun to listen to Mike Shannon call the game.

Then there were interviews and such.  So, many distractions for players.  Fan wanting autographs.  Reporters wanting a word.  I wonder how players learn to tune out the sound of their own name being shouted by fans trying to get their attention.  They have to or they would only sign autographs and never be ready by game time.

Our Cy Young is Better Than Your Cy Young pitcher

At least one of them anyway.  The Cardinals Chris Carpenter faced off against the Giants Barry Zito in Saturdays game.  It would be the one game the Cardinals would win.  It seemed like Carpenter might leave the game with a loss or a no-decision, but the Cardinals rallied for some runs in Carpenter's last inning.

Here are pictures of Carpenter and Zito:

Pitching coach, Dave Duncan, watches with an eagle-eye as Chris Carpenter warms up:

As does Zito under the watchful eye of his pitching coach:

 It was such a treat to see Carpenter deal:

The Return of the Cleanup Hitter

Ryan Ludwick is finally off the DL.  

His bat has been sorely missed both in term of production and protection.  His return seemed to be all Albert Pujols needed to get his bat going, homering twice in Saturday's game. 

Brendan Ryan, Oh How I Underestimated You!

Brendan Ryan starts a double play:

Ryan takes a high one...

As I watched Brendan Ryan last year, I do not remember being overly impressed.  Sure, I loved his enthusiasm.  I loved his speed.  I loved how hard he played.  I just do not remember thinking, "Wow", in the way I have this year.

Ryan has taken the opportunity to play every day by the horns.  He has made stellar defensive plays. He has taken good at bats and hit very well during this series.  I always saw him in the utility role, but perhaps his is an everyday player after all.

He has been effective and a real asset.  However, occasionally, his speed and enthusiasm do get the best of him.  A case in point is illustrated by the series of photos:

Brendan Ryan thinks about stealing second:

He goes and he is safe, just avoiding the tag...

....but his momentum takes him past the bag

...where he is tagged out, and he knows it...

I believe I have written this before.  I fell in love with the St. Louis Cardinals the moment Yadier Molina hit that homerun against the Mets scoring the runs that would bring home the 2006 National League Pennant.  It awakened in me a passion for this game of baseball that I did even realize I possessed.

Subsequently, I have come to appreciate the Cardinal catcher's outstanding defense, which was recognized last year by a long over-due Gold Glove.  Guess you have to hit over .300 to get recognized for your defense, huh?

I love watching great catching, so Yadier Molina is a joy.  One night last year, the Cardinals game was over, but I needed more baseball.  It was late.  West coast games to choose from.  Hmm....I wonder how Bengie Molina compares to his brother?  Giants game, it is.

Thus, a nightly ritual began of falling asleep to the Giants game.  Not that they are boing.  They just play really late.  The Giants will be playing on the East coast this weekend, which really screws up my world.

I have come to appreciate Bengie Molina as I did his brother Yadier, and I should also confess to sometimes catching a bit of a Yankees game when Jose Molina is behind the plate.  Three brothers.  Three catchers.  Three major league ballplayers.  What are the odds?

I was fascinated by the two brothers facing off this weekend.  Especially because of the nature of the role they play calling the pitches to get the other out.  Surely, they have the best scouting report ever on each other.  You might think that they would not want to be too hard on the other, being family and all.  But, then again, they are brothers.  Is there any relationship that is more competitive? 

I took lots of pictures because it was just cool seeing one behind the plate and other in the box.

Here Yadier watches Bengie take batting practice:

 And, hang out around the cage in between turns...

They are joined by fellow countryman, Jose Oquendo...

 ...and watch Sandoval in the cage.

Others come up later and I start to realize what a fraternity major league baseball is.  I suppose, it might bother some fans to see players so friendly with members of the opposing team.  And I suppose, it was not always that way back in the days before free agency when more players played for the same team their whole career.

Now, players are connected by country, college, winter ball, the minor league days and former teams.  Players move around, yet the friendships remain.  The brotherhood I saw on the field went beyond blood.  

Again, this might bother some who think hating the other team is critical to competing.  But, really "hating to lose" is the only hate that is required.  And, losing to your brother is the worst.

In the pre-game warmups the brothers were like mirrors.  Bengie warming up Matt Cain on his side of the field...

 ...and Yadier warming up Joel Pineiro on his side.

 I like the old school bull pen mounds at AT&T Park.  It nice to really be able to watch pitchers warm up.

Later, the brothers met at the plate.

As Yadier stood in and Bengie laid down the fingers, I wondered if it is trickier calling a game against your brother.  Do you get in each others head?  Like, I would normally call a fast ball, but he knows that I would, so maybe I should call a slider, but what if he knows that I know that he knows....until your head hurts.  

Or, is it really just the same as everything else: work to your pitcher's strengths, mix your pitches and hope your pitcher does not leave anything too juicy over the plate.

Later, Bengie stood in the batter's box, while Yadier figured out what to call.  

Pineiro gets the sign and throws the ball....

....right at Bengie Molina's leg.  

It was the one time a batter was hit by a pitch that I was 99.9% sure it was unintentional.  And, I was 100% sure that Bengie was not going to go charge the mound.  But, I did wonder what Yadier would have done if he had.  Typically, the catcher rushes to the pitchers defense, often tackling the batter.  I wondered if Yadier would have let Bengie get in a couple of swings before going out to get him.

I am sure Bengie has a bruise to show for it.  Just one of many that a catcher gets in a days work.  Fortunately, he was able to stay in the game.

Sometimes when you are taking hundreds of random pictures, it is funny the ones you run across that capture similar moments.  

Here are complimentary pictures of Yadier and Bengie with the umpire.  In both, they seem to be taking an aggressive posture toward the umpire, which goes to prove that sometimes pictures lie.

Here Yadier looks toward second base.  I wonder if he is thinking of stealing on his brother.  Think of the ribbing for years to come.  Whatever Bengie might throw at Yadier, the come back could be, "Yeah, but I stole second on you."  Which would like coax the response, "You stole it on the pitcher, not me."

But, he did not go.

Sunday was a day game after a Saturday night game.  After both Molinas caught on Saturday night, I knew it likely that one or both would get the day off.  So, I was not surprised to see Bengie Molina's name missing from the cleanup spot.

However, it is pretty much a given that Bengie never gets a whole game off.  At some point there will be a pinch hit opportunity with runners in scoring position, and it will be likely that he will come through.

As he did here, hitting a sacrifice fly, scoring Sandoval.

Bengie stayed in the game.  Yadier came up to bat in the bottom of the 9th with two outs.  In Bengie's at bat, he hit a pop up to the backstop.  I think they might be discussing where it went here.  Yadier did not have a play on it as he did when he put Bengie out on a P-2 the night before.

Yadier stands in as the last Cardinal hope.

Bengie is smiling here, as if perhaps he knows something Yadier does not....

Like how to entice his younger brother into a very rare strikeout

Sliding Home

You know you have the baseball bug bad, when everything reminds you of baseball.  As I passed through the Denver airport on my way home, I noticed the cities that the other planes were headed to.  Chicago.  Surely the Cubs or the White Sox are in town.  Kansas City.  I wonder if I will see Grienke on the mound there in a few weeks.  Las Vegas.  Hmmm...no MLB, but there is a Triple-A team there.  Seattle.  A thought...never seen Griffey play in person. 

But the hardest gate to walk past was the one that said "St. Louis".  The Cardinals are at Busch tonight.  If I hopped the plane and took the link downtown, I could probably just make it in time to see Wellemeyer take the mound.  For all that I loved AT&T Park, there is really nothing like a home game at Busch Stadium.

But, I kept walking on to my Oklahoma City gate, and I was not too sad.  For although I will not find the Cardinals there, the next best closest thing is coming to town:  The Memphis Redbirds.