Unexpected

Here's the first couple of lines from the Chron's recap:

First inning: 10 pitches, nine strikes, three strikeouts.

Fourth inning: 31 pitches, six baserunners, five runs.

Tim Lincecum had one of those topsy-turvy afternoons Saturday at China Basin.

Yeah. The game was awesome for the first 3 innings, and then Timmy sort of... imploded? It was weird. He got 6 strikeouts in those fun 3 innings, but then... yeah. He looked like he was sucker-punched after the back-to-back HR's by Freddy Sanchez and Adam LaRoche. I'm telling you, weirdest thing ever.

I don't have to mention the bullpen implosion (again) or the anemic offense (again), right?

So Zito's pitching tomorrow. I'm calling a sweep. Hopefully it'll be over by the 3rd inning and not one of those 13 inning deaths.

Monster Park, Bill Walsh Field

During Friday's public memorial for Bill Walsh, Mayor Gavin Newsom announced that Monster Park's field would be named after Walsh.

It's a simple but beautiful gesture. If you want to be mercenary about it, the 49ers are still sponsored by Monster, and Monster still has the stadium rights. I'm sure that Bill Walsh field will be carried over to the new park in Santa Clara.

Sizing Them Up: Prologue

With the NBA season coming upon us With the NBA season still a long 2 months away, I'll be writing a series of posts about the beast that is the Western Conference. I'll size up each team, look at their major gains and losses, how I'll expect them to do next season, and how much of a threat they present to the Warriors.

There's no timetable for when (and if) I'll finish this, but I know I'll have it done by October 30.

We'll start off with the winners of last season's Finals rings, the San Antonio Spurs.

The Light and The Truth

Here's a story to lessen the pain from last night's bullpen blowup (again). At least there was Psych on afterwards so I could laugh.

A scout once saw Tim Lincecum pitching against another pitcher with equal talent and ability. The game was tight early on, with both pitchers allowing runners on base but not allowing any to score. It remained 0-0 in the top of the ninth.

This was when Lincecum got himself into a spot of trouble. He got sloppy and allowed 3 consecutive singles. With the bases loaded and no one out, Lincecum turned to the other pitcher, who was standing in the dugout. Lincecum said, "I admit it. You are a better pitcher than I am."

Puzzled, the other pitcher replied, "Then why are you still smiling?"

"Because I know something that you don't."

"And what is that?"

"I... am not left-handed." With that, Lincecum put the ball in his right hand and transferred his glove to his left. He proceeded to strike out the next 3 batters on 9 pitches, all swinging.

Lincecum's team won in the bottom of the ninth, with a walk-off home run by Les Johnson.

Moral of the story: Do not question the light and the truth that is Tim Lincecum.

Ahoy, Matt-ey!

This homestand wraps up with a 3-game series against the Pirates. Who other than recently traded and disgruntled Matt Morris starts on the mound. He had a few choice words to say about the Giants management after he became a Pirate. I'm not sure how the fans will treat him, but maybe it won't matter since the yard's been quiet dead after the 756 euphoria. I guess it's only fitting if he throws a complete game shutout against us, despite giving up 80 hits and 40 runs in 45.1 innings during his last 8 starts as a Giant.

Russ Ortiz will be making his own comeback tonight as a replacement starter for Lowry. He's been quite successful against Pittsburgh throughout his career, 8-1 and a 3.18 ERA in 12 career starts (13 if you count a relief role). He almost had a CG against them earlier this year, but was pulled with one out left.

7:15 PM start time.

Bye-Bye, Sweeney

Professional pinch hitter Mark Sweeney's been dealt to the Dodgers.

He was heating up around the trade deadline, so obviously that increased his stock. Though I won't root for him as a Dodger, he was a good teammate and performed well as a Giant, so I wish him well. Good luck in Lalaland, Sweeney.


May you get 20 more pinch hits... but all in Dodger losses

Ortmeier was called up to take Sweeney's spot.

It's good to see Sabean making... good on his word. It may be minor so far, but it's a step in the right direction. Hopefully this is another fleecing.

1!!!

MATT CAIN GOES DEEP! FIRST CAREER HOME RUN! ROAD TO HISTORY, BABY!


Reproduction of Kruk and Kuip's telestrator-happy antics


They need to get a picture of him swinging the bat. Caught everyone off-guard

Congratulations to Bruce Bochy for getting his 1000th win as a manager!


Hopefully we tack on a few more so he can get out of the sub-500 zone

And Barry went deep. McCovey Cove deep.