No... gotta keep the kayaks out! Oh, how I miss mine- I long to go in McCovey Cove in it!!

LOL, yes, we have winter here. And actually fairly cool summers- lots of fog where I live (near the Bay). It can get very cold in winter and it is very damp. Not a good thing for my old joints! It has snowed here, but that is very unusual.

Now, I grew up in my teen years in the Lake Tahoe area in the El Dorado mountain range. YES it snows there!!! really snows there! Actually, there are many snow areas in CA.

Atlanta is smacking the hell out of my guys. Hummm... Philly cooling down, eh?

I just don't really see SF back in the WS, no repeat. We are so beat-up right now and out of sync, I am just hoping for them to get back in 1st place. But the Dbacks have been playing very good ball. We have been chasing them for over a week now- we were in 1st most of the season!!!

Giants 66-57
Braves 72-51
d Backs 69-53
Phillies 78-42 (wow ha?)
Pirates 58-63
Cards 63-58

So yes, those Braves are making a sneak attack! This may be an interesting finish. Oh, a statistic I just pulled off the 6 oclock news. PNC park has been open 10 years now. Garrett Jones is the only Pirate to hit the ball into the river...and he has done it twice. He did it on opening day last year. I was trying to get a film clip of the Mc cutchen catch. It looked ordinary to us. They showed us 5 others just like it. Excellence never gets old. Especially when there is no arrogance or ego with it. Thats why I like this team.

UUUgh, 2 nothing already, Cards, top of first.

Kobi..is Ortiz on the 15 day? Bursistis in his ankle I presume......OUCH.

We are (knocking on wood) healthy finally. Big weekend with the reds, then the brewers. I'll be kayaking and getting my baseball fixes.

I do believe you were right, this may all change in the next couple of weeks.

Redundant. Baseball is Streaky.

what? what did I say?
 

Let's laugh.....half way, wait for *here, pick this shit up* LoL
I have always wondered what they talked about out there.

SF lost another one last night to the Astros....

The team is a mess! Both of the players we got in trades for offense have been injured as well as key players along with zero hitting by who is left!! So damn frustrating!!!

I so hear you with what has happened with your Pirates!

And Kobe's team is dealing with the same mess.... it is going to be a long August!

I so agree with heartfelt fan support for teams without arrogant, egotistical players. One of the reasons my Giants made me so proud last season. Watching guys that are scrappers in baseball that work together is so much a part of why I love baseball. This still exists in the game with certain teams.

I think two of my nephews are going to go to one more game with me in September- gotta yak with them today to set it up. Eve with what is going on with SF, tix sell out for any home game right off. Want to see them play Az at the yard.

Yep it sucks the big one. I know Beltran is hurt - is Beltran ever healthy? Is Keppinger hurt too? He spends as much time on the DL as JD DRew. We might be willing to part with JD in case you need more people to add to your DL crew LOL.

It is frustrating and aggravating.

Tampa Bay is filming their it gets better video Tuesday. I shall be there. We aren't doing great but we are doing better. We are 9 games back but I was expecting worse.

GGRRRRRRR!!! SF lost again- to the Astros- the team with the worst record of the season that they play!!! I want to scream!!!

But the Dback keep losing too- so we are still with 2 of 1st place. But, my guys have got to get those bats going!!!

I realized tonight that last August was rough for SF too- and Tim Lincecum was in an awful slump. Maybe there is hope afterall. They ended up taking the WS. But this is not the same team even though many of the same players are still with the club. So many of them are injured and not playing. And new guys do have some talent, but it just seem like they are in that groove with each other- the chemistry isn't there. But they could begin to jell.

I want Crawford to be called back up!!! And if Pablo Sandoval doesn't stop trying too damn hard to hit homers, I am going to go over to SF and bop him! hey, plain old base hits are just fine- just get on!!!

We shall see tomorrow- 3rd of the series at Houston. Then they come home.

OK, so who do you all see making the playoffs?

LOL is right! No please- no more DL players!

Yeah- Beltran played a few games, then ka-put!! Keppinger was hurt and out for a week. He's back as of yesterday.

Between Posey and Freddie Sanchez both being out all season it is obvious that key players that seem to just give the team spirit is lacking. The Giants don't really have the super star kinds of players but I think some of our guys on the DL really contribute with their personalities. Although, they are consistant hitters, too. Not big home run hitters, but get on and are smart while on.

Damn, both Posey & Sanchez have serious injuries- but Sanchez will play again. Who knows with Posey. Long road ahead of him.

Madison Bumgarner had a lousy day on the mound today.

For the love of baseball

Friday, Pirates vs Reds...important that Pgh win all three games 8 below .500 and 13 behind first place (looking bleek)

A Series of horrible storms before the game, put us into a rain delay before the game started. (game should have been cancelled, at some point they have to consider player safety, playing on SOAKED outfield grass) Three lead changes, lots of hits. But the pirates did what they usually do...leave 11 men stranded on base. Consequently, loose the game in the 9th.

Saturday was moved up to a 4 o'clock start time for nationally televised game. Pirates had 13 hits, struck out 10 times and left 14 players stranded on base. However, managed to *scrap* out a win. Unbelievable how they do not quit. Some of the plays they made got them standing ovations...the potential is there. The Boo birds weren't at this game. (too early, the drunks weren't here) Familys were. At the end of the game, when mass exodus usually occurs, people stood and cheered....as if we had won a game to clench a championship. The player responded by taking there caps off as they left the field and waving to the fans.....it was nice to see fans show some love.

Today, the rubber match. And rain forcasted for most of the day. Monday, is a double header with the brewers due to a rain cancellation
An afternoon game, and an evening game.....WE MUST BEAT THE BREWERS.....and another afternoon game Wednesday with the brewers. I love afternoon baseball, and have taken both days off from work.

I'm sure this will be a long day at the ball park, they'll do everything they can to get this game in.

My Tigers pounded on the Indians last night, 10-1. We are 3.5 games up in the AL Central. Let's hope the Tigers don't do the usual late August/September meltdown, and actually make the playoffs. Crossing my fingers the rotation can hold up, even though it has a couple of weak links.

Nice post Hack, as it warms my heart. I love Jim Leyland and Gene Lamont.
And I love what both the Tigers and my second favorite team in all of baseball, the Indians have done. The Indians are very much like the Pirates, no big names,no outrageous salaries, come to the ballpark every day and play for the love of the game. I'm so happy they are having a very successful year.

For years, the ownership of the Pirates have been threatening us with taking the franchise and leaving Pittsburgh. I always had the Indians in my back pocket.

As I perused the divisions this morning, again, trying to figure out if the Pirates really are out of contention.....In every division, it could be anyones to take. It's real close right now. It's been a good baseball year.

[QUOTE=Yellow band;401925]Let's laugh.....half way, wait for *here, pick this shit up* LoL
I have always wondered what they talked about out there.

SNIP


That was great! Thanks for posting that. I feel like doing that at my job on occasion, too. He reminds me of Billy Martin. He needs to go to the Majors...some team would be lucky to snag that guy. No joke.

After watching Detroit when SF played them during interleague play- I came away with the feeling that they might do very well. I can see them going all the way to the WS, actually. Yes, the August/September meltdown always is lurking! makes me crazy- and the injuries that teams deal with at this time of the season.

After watching that epic melt down of a baseball manager clip a few posts ago, I realized something today. Clint Hurdle was thrown out of the game again today, as he was on friday, by the same umpire, Brian Knight. Note: including these two tosses, Hurdle has only been tossed 4 times all season. But both times, Umpire Knight turned his back to Hurdle while Hurdle was *talking* to him. To me, thats almost baiting.

Now, I will say, I never understood why a manager ever argues, because nothing in baseball ever gets overturned.....instant replay showed the umpire missed the call (heard that from the radio side) PNC park will not show a controversial call, on replay. I know they[managers] do it to back the players. This was a rap John Russell endured, he didn't argue.

So, we let another slip away in the 9th. Pirates loose to the Reds 5 to 4.
Brandon woods, the worst batter in baseball (known fact!) he does have an excellent glove, struck out three times, and with a runner on third and two outs....we let him bat???? He bounced out to the infield ending the game......and the BOOOO BIRDS sang loudly. Sometimes I understand why.:seeingstars:

Double header tomorrow with the Brew Crew.

Tigers swept the Indians! Just need to keep things going in that direction. I'm going to a game on the 30th with some friends. My first of the year, sadly.

KEWL! have a great time! Going to a game has gotten very expensive. I would go to a bunch if I could.

Looks like Detroit is on a mission!!

OMG that is too much.

Wednesday coming up will be my 35th this season, five more after that.

And yeah....talk about expensive, a bottle of cold H20 is $3.75......I don't drink beer, but I think they are $8.75 for a draft. Betcha next year it'll be a ten dollar beer. (and people pay it) Ah, pot calling the kettle black......I buy the WATER!:byebye:

I know- here a beer is $9.75! I will have one with my sis when we go to a game, but, she is the one that buys the tix. Yes, I buy her a beer.

Ya' can't take in your own food or drinks anymore (used to be able to when I was a kid), but I have gotten some small bags of peanuts in. I always eat before going. Why the hell people can't bring bottled water in is beyond me. Iused to think going to a ballgame was fairly cheap entertainment. No!!

SF won today!! The Panda shot a homer in the 11th against Houston!! WOOT!!

WOW, 35 games! I am impressed- you are a baseball fanatics dream!!! Damn, we gotta get together for a game either here or back there someday. Maybe I will finally get East to see relatives eventually and you, me and your sweetheart (maybe mine if that is what actually happens) can go to a game and yell our hearts out!!!

A rare double header today. They just don't happen any more unless it's a
rain game make up, and even then, they try to do it on an off day. Today, I'll miss my Father. We used to go to every Sunday home game, they were always double headers. And yes, IN THOSE DAYS (lol) you could take in a lunch and some unopened plastic bottles or juice boxes. I also make sure I eat before I go.....can you see me walking up to a concession stand and saying *I'll have that salad, will you throw it into a blender with some flax seed and B pollen and make me a green smoothie*:seeingstars:

Buying a half season ticket plan/ and burning most of my PTO days, is my vacation each year. Different things work for different people.

18 innings of baseball (providing we don't go into extra innings, is a baseball lovers dream) No rain in the forecast. The Brewers are on FIRE! By the way, that blown call by the umpire yesterday cost us the game. Darn.

What a great idea for vacation time! Yes, double-headers with Dad- For me, it was Dad & Mom. They were such baseball junkies. Loved it that in retirement, they would take their travel trailer to Az for spring training.

A day off today for SF. I am going to try and watch a game that I might get that has a team or 2 that you all are fans of. Have to admit, I am watching Detroit these days as well as your Pirates. Always thinking of the BoSox and of course, I have to keep an eye on the Dbacks!

SF is now only 2 back from the Dbacks out here. But that is because they have also been on a losing streak. We shall see....

Tigers are coming in for 4 against my Rays starting tonight. I am concerned. They look amazing and we are being temperamental pitching is good defense great but the hitting is pardon the pun hit or miss. But who knows.

Go Phillies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally.....the Pirates beat The Brewers. First time in two years!

They beat us in the first game and really were very obnoxious about it. I was shocked to see that.

Well, we exploded for 7 runs in the 7th, they couldn't do anythiing right! And we beat them 10 to 2. It was so effin cold (58) thats 40 degrees colder than its been, it felt like winter......when we were all dressed for August....so by the time we were kicking ass, maybe, M A Y B E 2,000
fans were left.....but we made noise. It was funny, maybe you had to be there....there was a person in every 15 seats or so, and one person started it, then every one started doing it, using the flash light feature on their smart phone and shining it around because it was like a ghost town.

OK, obviously, I was out screaming, in the cold too long......good night!

FRUSTRATION!!!

Yes, it is another torture filled August for SF!!

Well, when they break into every television show with a weather update, using words like storm of mamoth proportion, and no storm will ever be costlier...it gets your attention.

Our search and rescue teams are deploying for the Harrisburg area now, to await further instructions. Earth quake reverberations and a fierce hurricane with tornadoes mixed into it....all in one week.

I attended 6 major league games in 6 days (includes the double header)
I got home at midnight, got to sleep maybe 12:30 and was up for work at 4:30 for a 12 hour day and then off again for a day game. At least I got to see us beat those obnoxious brewers twice. 2-0 the last game, beat them with a minor league call up who never pitched in the majors before. YES!

So, I'm here to tell you, 6 games in 6 days, was too much. I was doing nothing but talking baseball. I was a walking baseball talk show. (ah, talk about obnoxious) Also, here comes my sexist post of the season. Men can not stand a woman who can talk a sport and know her stuff. Not that I was a little edgey at work Tuesday from no sleep and too much stimulation
5 games in 4 days, water cooler talk wasn't exactly friendly. And you know, not everyone loves the Pirates like I do. I'm sure they were happy to see I wasn't there Wednesday and no one mentioned baseball to me Thursday. I'm just starting to feel human again. I bicycled most of today and took a kayak class out. Some schools have gone back, but not all, so
there are still some vacation around.

I think the pirates will have another loosing season. Breaks my heart to say that. At least we won't loose 105 like last year, maybe just under 90.

The potential to be good is there. I see it in every game. I will be shocked, as I said before, if the hitting coach isn't left go. The owner said this year is about accountablility. Well, we are the worst offensive team in baseball.

I haven't heard *who* is on the trading list, why is that always a secret....I'm Hoping Ryan Doumit (as much as i like the scrapper) can get traded to an american league team as DH and an occasional catcher. He's got a great bat, and needs to hit every day.

Hey now. I'm still a Boston Red Sox fan even though I moved to San Diego. lol

SF lost 3 to Houston! The worse team in the National League!! Poor bruce Bochy- he couldn't respond much to media after yesterday's game.

No bats, no bats, NO BATS!!! And veteran players batting like rookies!!! but, I know my guys are frustrated.... so am I!!!

Even with key injuries, we have some very talented players and they are just not getting it done. I didn't expect going back to the WS, but, thought we would win our conference. Who knows....

But, by tonight, I will be back to my undying rooting for these guys...

Always stick by your team.

When I was *living* at the ball park last week, some jerk was sitting in a season ticket holders seat. You know the kind.....faded give away t- shirt, with the name of a player
who we got rid of years ago, and the jerk is 50 pounds heavier than when he got the shirt. (the give away shirts come in one size XL). Ok. First inning, the pitcher gives up
a hit that Ronnie Cedeno dove for and didn't come up with,
so *Jerk* starts yelling *BOOOOOO, you suck* after the noise quiets down a little I stand up, turn around and scream *We don't BOO the home team*. I looked right at him.:|. I did, however, refrain from pointing at him. He never made another sound the rest of the game.

Am I a Bully?

No way I will leave my Giants behind! Been rooting for them since 1958 though it all.

Actually, when we go through times like this, I get more into the games- the players are so frustrated with themselves.

This is the time of the season when I get more intense about watching other teams when I get their games that are in close races for first. That time of the season!!

It was so damn hard to see Lincecum out there yesterday- no run support and not on his game as usual- no room for error. And you could see how crappy the guys were feeling about another game that they just could not get even in scoring position.

Thinking a lot about the 9/1 call-ups-

I hope I catch a Red Sox game this weekend with my TV package. Saw clips about the Pirates win yesterday- WOOT!!!

Hey, hey, we are heading into September..... baseball fans month of intensity!!!

I was worried about us going to Houston. You know, the bottom feeders. Having been the bottom feeders for 18 years, I'd prefer to think of the Astro's as the spoilers, after they just woooped the Giants butts.

I bicycled by the ball park on my way home last night, and they have new banners up with pictures of the minor league
call ups. In our case, rightfully so, we won many games with them in the first half of the year. Our slide began when our starters returned. So September just may be exciting around here.

Did anyone watch any of the little league world series?
Fun!