SB Nation User Blog: Carmelballin

"Maybe It's The Rockies Year" Copy From McCovey Chronicles Post

Carmelballin — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:44:35 -0000

Giants fan posted this on McCovey Chronicles, and most other Giants fans seem to agree:

For the longest time, I could not convince myself that the Rockies were actually good. They have a solid pitching staff but definitely not one of the tops in the NL, and a bunch of .220 hitters with a lot of power. To me, that doesn't calculate to a team that is about 18 games over .500. Outside of Helton and Tulowitzki I can't see any real solid hitters in that Rockies lineup. Here's the difference though, the Rockies are a team this year that knows how to win from behind and close games. If you give the Rockies no more than 2 run deficit going into the 8th inning, they are most likely to come back and win that game. They are a great 8th and 9th inning team, just spectacular.

I keep telling myself how lucky they are. Just within the last couple of nights, they came back from losing 4-2 in the 8th and came back to win. Tonight, they were down by 2 with Seth Smith up to the plate in the bottom of the ninth, and with 2 strikes and 2 outs, he gets a walk-off two run single. In addition, the hit came off of a play that Brandon Phillips would have normally made. Also, I hate to bring this up but how often are you going to have Ryan Spilborghs hit a walk off grand slam down by 2 in the bottom of the 14th. The Rockies, despite any early (or late) deficit, know how to win games. Whether the Rockies are the luckiest team in the NL or not, it doesn't matter. What does matter is that whatever is happening to them is happening for a reason, and it just indicates that it may be the Rockies season.

In addition, the Giants can't do the little things like bunt guys over. Our fundamentals are atrocious, and despite that we still shouldn't lose a home series against the Padres. Especially in the position that we're in, it is unacceptable. If it isn't already apparent taht the Giants won't make the playoffs, it will be by next Wednesday after the Rockies leave San Francisco.

This may sound pessimistic, but I realize that this is a rebuilding season and we still have a bright future (more so than any other teams in our division). It's just dissapointing because they are so close, but yet so far away. No matter how the Giants end this season, it has been a fun one.

Maybe it's the Rockies year..............

Carmelballin — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 04:17:58 -0000

Still Bitter About Crawford/Nelson Situation

Carmelballin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:03:07 -0000

I know what I'm about to write is going to get some mixed responses, so view this video before or after reading this post:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUqjvt0oKvw

I was a huge fan of Jamal Crawford ever since he started playing for the Bulls. The kid has got some mad abilities and skills, so I was ecstatic when I heard the Warriors traded for him. there is no one smoother with the basketball in the NBA. Say what you want about Crawford's inability to play defense and lack of rebounding for a guard, but I still feel as though we could have used him. It's not everyday where you can find someone who can score 50 points on any given night. He was asked to play point guard which isn't a natural position for him, and he did everything that was asked of him. When we traded for him, what did you expect? A 20+ ppg scorer who shoots about 42% from the field with around 5 apg? That's exactly what we got, and he provided those numbers for us (in addition to playing the pg potision which isn't something he wasn't accustomed to). I'd rather have Crawford than Stephen Jackson, Corey Maggette, or many of our other guards.

Given the right players around Crawford, he is an asset to any team, period. Unfortunately, being as stubborn as Don Nelson is, he decided that Crawford wasn't right for this team, and he made it clear to Crawford (which I don't think ws the right way of handling it). Okay so maybe Nelson is right, given the players we currently have, there is no way that Crawford will work out but I will say this: Stephen Curry will not be an impact pg in his rookie year, Monta Ellis will NEVER be a good pg, and unless you wan't CJ Watson being our starting pg, Stephen Jackson may have to play pg for much of his 40 somewhat minutes that he plays. In my opinion, Crawford did fine at pg. not great, but better than anyone else can do. Now I understand, his contract is kind of an issue; however, I feel that Nelson didn't even give Crawford a chance or any consideration. If we made the right moves this offseason, we would have been better off keeping Crawford. Having Crawford and Ellis at 1 and 2 repectively is not dynamic, but from an offensive standpoint one of the best in the league. And for god sakes, we could have dealt Stephen Jackson or Corey Maggette for at the very least, Speedy Claxton and Acie Law.

Who knows, maybe Nelson may have everything figured out, but the way he handled the situation was poor. Just play Crawford out for the rest of the season, then if you want to, trade him. But don't tell the man that he should opt out or they will trade him with more than 20 games left to go in the season. By doing that, it puts their relationship at unease because even if they personally are fine with each other (which I doubt), the media and fans will automatically feel that they arn't on the greatest terms. The worst part is, when Crawford comes into town in that red and black Hawks uniform next year, he will probably undeservedly get booed. And I feel it would be all Don Nelson's fault.

If I could have handled the offseason: I would have traded away either Jackson or Maggette

Biedrins/Turiaf

Randolph/Wright

Jackson or Maggette (preferably Jackson)/ Azubuike

Ellis/Morrow

Crawford/Curry (not given ofcourse)/Watson

And the rest, you can go from there....................

I think this is a whole lot better than having a logjam at the 2 and 3 without a solid pg because although I love Stephen Curry it's going to take him some time to develop.

A Few Notes on the Upcoming Road Trip

Carmelballin — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:32:01 -0000

This upcoming 10 game road trip is going to be interesting. Given the Giants track record for road games this season, I am very nervous about how they will do. At the same time, I have a hint of confidence thinking that maybe they can go as good as 7-3. I have all sorts of mixed feelings because I keep telling myself, they can't play any worse on the road. When it's all said and done, we will all just have to wait and see but it's always fun to ponder about what may happen. Here are some intangibles that I have thought about for the upcoming road trip:

1. The Giants in recent history never seem to play well in New York against the Mets. Good news is, Shea Stadium no longer exists and maybe a new Citi Field and a struggling Mets team can help up win or atleast split the 4 game series. Shea Stadium was a hell hole for the Giants. I still remember Dusty not pinch hitting for Mark Gardner with the bases jacked, and the Benny Agbayani walk-off homerun.

2. Cincinatti scares me the most. Cincinatti scared me when they came into AT&T before they took 2 out of 3 from us because they were playing so poorly post All-Star break, I had a feeling they were going to break out. It happened to be against us unfortunately. The Reds ballpark is pretty live, so our pitching needs to be aware of giving up the long balls.

3. Coors Field........ Another horrible place for the Giants to play, especially when we are fighting the Rockies for the Wildcard spot. We do atleast have 6 more games at home against them, but these games are crucial.

I'm really pulling for these Giants, just like everyone else.... It's going to be interesting. How do you gus feel about the roadtrip? What will be there record?

I'm thinking 6-4, hoping for atleast 7-3:

@NY 3-1

@CIN 1-2

@COL 2-2

Total 6-4

Poll

How will the Giants do on this 10 game road trip?

1-3 Wins

18 votes

4-6 Wins

84 votes

7+ Wins

19 votes

121 votes | Poll has closed

Not Looking Too Good.................

Carmelballin — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 07:27:33 -0000

As of tonight, both the Giants and the Rockies are 60-49. However, as a lifetime Giants fan it is really hard for me to say that they are making the postseason this year. I hope to god that I'm wrong, and I hope you guys can argue against me to make me feel better, but I just can't see them making it. Here's why:

Games such as tonight show how unclutch this team is. You cannot walk 3 batters in a row, you cannot make 5 errors, but most importantly, give up a two run lead at home playing against the freakin Cincinnati Reds. All I know is, the Rockies, Dodgers, Phillies, Cards, and Cubs (well maybe not the Cubs haha) will not give up a lead at home to an struggling team like Cincy. This is a series that you have to go in playing for a sweep (especially with the Dodgers coming into town next). Just an ugly game.

In addition, the Giants have 5 more road games than the Rockies, and you know how poorly the Giants play on the road. The four games in Coors field coming up could honestly be the season for the Giants if they don't play well, even though i know the Giants have a few left against them at home also. But yes, those 5 less home games that the Rockies have played is the largest thing that stands out in my mind. If the Giants don't go on a 10 out of 11 or 10 out of 12 tear at some point, the Rockies will end up with a better record than the Giants by the time the season is over. We are usually not accustomed to seeing the Giants going on hot streaks like that. I actually think that there is a better chance of the Dodgers completely collapsing than having the Giants reel off 10 out of 12 games before the season is done.

Sorry for the pessimism, but I just don't see playoffs this season which is unfortunate because I love the makeup of the team this season. Like I said, I hope I'm wrong because if we make the playoffs, we have the chance (with our pitching) to go pretty far. Nobody wants to face our pitching staff in the first round.

It's ONLY Day One!!!!!

Carmelballin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:31:25 -0000

Hey guys, I feel like today was a great start for our push to vote Pablo "Panda" Sandoval in for that final spot. However, we still have until Thursday. If we can all put up the same effort that we put in today, I have a good feeling about Sandoval.

After today, I feel like Panda is right up there from reading the comments here on McCovey's Chronicles. In addition, major props to the person who posted on Lone Star Ball (Texas Rangers) to vote for Sandoval while we try to push Ian Kinsler in to help them out. I read the comments from the Rangers website and it seems like they are just as dedicated to vote in Kinsler as we are with Sandoval. I feel like if both fan bases do their part, we will get this done.

Bottom Line: Let's keep this up, do not diminish your efforts before Thursday. Pablo and Kinsler, but more inmportantly Pablo for that final spot!!!!

5 Possible All-Stars For The Giants

Carmelballin — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:01:32 -0000

I never would have thought at the beginning of the year that we may have 5 Giants in the All-Star Game. But let's take a look at these guys who should/could make the team:

Tim Lincecum- He is definitely a lock. With 3 complete games in his last 4 starts, leading the MLB in strikeouts, and second in the NL in ERA, not to mention a 8-2 record, many would think that he's Charlie Manuel's favorite to start the game.

Matt Cain- Cain should be another lock. He leads the NL in wins with 9, and has a stellar 2.57 ERA, and has definitely opened eyes around the league. Statistically, he may the third best pitcher in the NL (very close to Dan Haren for second, if not second).

Brian Wilson- As much as Wilson has been a headache at times, he should be an allstar this year considering that he is second in the NL in saves right behind Heath Bell of San Diego. Yes, I know what you guys are saying: "from watching the Giants every game, he blows to many saves to be an All Star". True, but from the outside baseball world, Brian Wilson is considered an elite closer.

Bengie Molina- Definitely should make the allstar team. If he doesn't, its highway robbery. Yes, his average has dipped down a little bit, but statistically he may arguably be the best catcher in the NL. Most of the good catchers play in the AL. Molina is first among NL catchers in HR's and RBI's.

Pablo Sandoval- Imagine if Pablo didn't get off to a slow start this year. With that being said, he has still put together a great first half of the season. Second in the NL in batting average (barely behind Wright), he has 11 HR's and 39 RBI's, he definitely has a good case. The only problem is, looking at the rest of the NL's third basemen such as Mark Reynolds, Ryan Zimmerman, and Casey Blake, it would be very difficult to make the team. But he definitely is considered.

Point is: Do I think all 5 of these players are going to make the allstar team? Probably not, actually most likely not. But maybe 4 of these guys and atleast 3 should make it. Who would have though right??

Poll

How many All-Stars will the Giants have in St. Louis

5

13 votes

4

44 votes

3

203 votes

2

65 votes

1

5 votes

330 votes | Poll has closed

Jamal Crawford is a Warrior Next Season

Carmelballin — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:22:34 -0000

Whether you guys (or Don Nelson) like it or not, Jamal Crawford is going to be a Warrior next year. Here's why, Jamal is not going to opt out of his contract. There is no way he's walking away from 2 years at about 20 million dollars, NO WAY. If he does opt out, there is no way he's even going to sniff that kind of money elsewhere. If he does, he's an idiot and as we know Jamal seems like he has a pretty good head on his shoulders.

So, Jamal doesn't opt out. Now what? The Warriors can try to trade him. Yes, but what team is going to want him (especially his contract). What can we get back in return? I can't see us getting back anything in return other than maybe a second round draft pick and a disposable player like a Ricky Davis (just a random example). I don't think the Warriors are going to pull the trigger on something like that, because let's face it Jamal Crawford can play; he is a very talented kid. We a re not going to trade him for absolutely nothing. So that means we're stuck with him. If Larry Riley can pull something good off I'd be happy, but I can't see that happening.

Perfect year to trade our first round pick..........

Carmelballin — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 01:01:55 -0000

Okay, this is stemming off of the last post and some people suggested maybe trading the first round pick. I think there is no better time than now to do so. Any other year, I wouldn't want to give up a 7th pick, however, consider these circumstances:

1. This years draft class isn't as good as the past few years. There is no one out there that I really think will impact us, and if he does it wont be immediate.

2. After Blake Griffith, there are mediocre big men and the better players are guards. The last thing we need is another guard (especially if we really are having Monta play point for us, which I still am skeptical about).

3. The number 7 pick will be attractive to many teams around the league. Even if we have to package one of our young guards (Randolph, Morrow, and Ellis being untouchable), it may still be worth it and we may be able to land a star or impact player.

4. Even if we do trade our first round pick and maybe another player to go along with it, we'll still be deep.

5. Also, it seems as though in the past, our second round picks have been more rewarding than our first round picks anyways haha.

Props to Jamal....... and (sorry guys) more Monta stuff.......

Carmelballin — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 07:38:40 -0000

I don't know about you guys, but the way Jamal Crawford conducts himself and acts speaks truly of his character. Let's face it, the Warriors organization hasn't really treated this guy very well since he has been here. He probably feels underappreciated (which may too some extent may be justified), and if talks about Nelson and him are true, he should be very upset and fed up by now. Yet, Jamal goes out, and tries to do what is asked of him. He makes no excuses, and honestly just plays. Think about how upset you'd be if your head coach comes up to you and asks you to opt out or you'll be traded. I'd bolt the team right away. This doesn't even matter about his actual performance (which I don't even think is that bad) and I don't want to hear comments saying "we don't need a nice guy, but we need someone that can play." Well first off, this guy can play, but I think Neliie is preventing Crawford of playing to his full capabilities. Let's not forget how well the Knicks were doing the first few weeks under the D'Antoni system and Crawford was averging 20+ points shooting a great percentage. Second, as far as the attitude goes, that is very important and this will lead me into the next topic of discussion, Monta Ellis.

Monta Ellis just seems completely disinterested in the team. I posted a few weeks ago how he left the game early because from what it looked like he was upset that he got taken out of the game. Now, the next day we learned that his ankle was still hurting him so I lt it slide. But once reports came out that he admitted that he wasn't hurt at all, I thought back to that Oklahoma City game at home where he showed absolutely no interest in the team. Monta Ellis has been doing this for some time, as I have been to many games lately. When the Warriors go on a huge run, everyone on the team will get up and give high fives, but one guy is always sitting on the bench, Monta Ellis. Now, I love this guy and I don't know what's going on in his personal life but if this is the attitude that Monta is going to have (unless there is something going on with his mother, etc.) then I don't want him on the team. Plain and simple. I dont' know if his ego went up or what, but he is definitely not the same Monta Ellis from last season for whatever reason.