Postgame Wrap: Barry Zito, Giants Defeat LA

Before Tim Lincecum became Barry Zito, Barry Zito was Tim Lincecum.

Given Barry Zito’s horrid career on the Giants, it’s easy to forget that he used to be really quite good. Vintage Zito wasn’t quite as dominant as vintage Lincecum, but he was the model of reliability, posting 3-something ERAs almost every year, while never missing a start. The contract that he signed was absolutely ridiculous, but when he became a free agent he was definitely a valuable commodity, and nothing obvious pointed to a massive collapse on the horizon.

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Postgame Wrap: A’s Hang Around, ‘Splode

One ball can change the dynamic of a game. Unfortunately, so can one call. Which is something A’s fans can mention when they remember losing this game. Chalk clearly kicked up on Seth Smith’s 6th-inning line drive down the first base line. Todd Tichenor called it foul. While my eyes disagree, my heart gives a sly thumbs up and my mouth says “thank you”. No no Todd, that envelope is for you. Good work. Aaaaaaaaand that was my lead before Santiago Casilla gave up aNUTHer home run in the 9th inning.

This series was ridiculous. A comeback, a near comeback, and a walk-off. Both bullpens melted down, balls were kicked around, and everyone agreed that this stadium sucks. Before getting to Sunday’s action, a brief conversation overheard on the field at Friday’s pre-game warmups:

McCarthy: Brandon

Belt: Brandon

Inge: Brandon

Crawford: Brandon

Moss: Brandon

Belt/Crawford: Brandon

Hicks: Brandon. Hey League, what are you doing here?

Brandon League: Just here to finish the bit

Netflix “Spies Like Us”. I’ll wait.

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Postgame Wrap: Giants Win Despite Madison Bumgarner, Bullpen, Fate

Wraps are fun to write for games like today.

Remember in the second inning, when Brandon Crawford grounded into a double play to end a rally? It’s okay, the Giants won.

Remember when Madison Bumgarner gave up a first-inning homer to Josh Reddick and grooved one to Jonny Gomes in the third inning? It’s okay, the Giants won.

Remember when Brandon Belt hit .224/.340/.328 between April 6 and June 10, and the Bruce Bochy started talking about Hector Sanchez taking grounders at first? It’s okay, the Giants won

Remember when Sergio Romo struck out Yoenis Cespedes on a slider way below the zone? Yeah I do, it was awesome. Thanks for reminding me about that.

Today was awesome, because just when I thought that Bumgarner was going to lose this one, the Giants got their crap together and hit against Tyson Ross as though he were Tyson Ross, and not the second coming of Dennis Eckersley.

Remember when Shane Loux, Santiago Casilla and Javier Lopez allowed 7 baserunners and 4 runs in the 9th inning, and barely survived because the BALL BOUNCED OVER THE WALL? It’s okay, the Giants won.

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