SB Nation User Blog: Carmelballin

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

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.

Monta Ellis Unhappy......

Carmelballin — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 08:09:42 -0000

I was at the game against OKC and witnessed first hand from what I thought was bad attitude from Monta Ellis.

Now, I don't know how serious this is, so i'm not going to jump to any conclusions but here is what happened:

At around 6 minutes left in the 4th quarter, Don Nelson sent C.J. Watson to the scorer's table. As soon as C.J. entered the floor and pointed at Monta, Monta swung his body in disgust that he was being taken out. The following 2 timeouts that followed, Monta remianed at the end of the bench by him self while everyone was in the huddle. In addition, every nice play that the Warriors had, Monta showed no interest. During these timeouts a couple people on the staff would come up and talk to him and pat him on the back while Monta shook his head. With about 3-4 mintues left, Monta walked off the bench and into the locker room.

Now, Monta may have a minor injury that we don't know about because he was on the bicycle during the second quarter in the tunnel. However, even if he was ailing with something, you'd think he'd stay on the bench and watch the team win and see Nelson get is 1300th win. What do you guys feel about this?

Jamal Crawford

Carmelballin — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:49:20 -0000

Since Jamal Crawford has come to Oakland, many people have hated on him. At the beggining I told you guys to give him some time in the system. Obviously he played well tonight, but he has been playing well for the past few weeks. The thing about Jamal is that he is a scorer, but he is asked to play point guard. Naturally, he has been playing unselfish and is trying to create for other players. I just don't think it is fair when sometimes he'll have like 2 points in the 3rd quarter, and he's only taken 5 or 6 shots while Jackson and Monta have taken 1close to 20 shots. I am a big fan of Crawford, and have been since his Michigan days to his days in Chicago and New York. If he opts out, so be it but I wish that he would stay in Oakland because he would definitely be an asset to this team in the future.

As for his defense, he isn't very good but he is making progress. You can see that he is trying and is constantly looking at the bench to Sidney Moncrief and Keith Smart for defensive tips throughout the game. I still don't think Jamal has reached his peak yet on this team, but given the time he will.

Also, another thing is its hard to play starting point guard when you don't have a consistent group of healthy guys. When Carwford first came, Jackson and Monta was hurt. Jackson came back, Wright, and Belinelli got hurt. Now Biedrins and Azubuike. Maggette has been hurt too. Along the way, I'm probably missing others guys as well.

My point is, I hope Crawford stays and I hope that I maybe changed all you Crawford hater's opinions about him. He is probably the most talented player on the team. If not whatever, let me know what you guys think.

I Know, I Know..... But Why Not?

Carmelballin — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 08:48:41 -0000

So I just read this report on ESPN saying that Ray Durham may retire if he does not receive and offers from any ball clubs

Here's the link:

Click Here

Now I know what you guys are thinking.... But, why not sign Ray Durham at a minimum contract. I know he wasn't the greatest hitter, and yes he was a bit streaky at times but he always put forth a solid at bat. Now, I've always been a fan of letting young guys play, but I don't think neither Burriss, Frandsen, or Velez are Major League ready. And say we did start one of those three players, and it didn't necessarily work out, then we could always have Durham as insurance. Out of all the so called "old guys" we have had throughout the years such as the Moises Alous and Ryan Kleskos of the world, Ray Durham was one of my favorites and the most productive.

I'd say the biggest question mark we have out of all positions is maybe 2nd and 1st. By signing Durham, I think we have a good enough group of players to complement Durham. Think about this for a second, and don't be so quick to shoot this down.

Then again, we could just sign somebody better and this post can completely be disregarded, but knowing Sabean we won't sign anyone for any kind of money. So why not pay little for Durham??

Baron Deserves It........

Carmelballin — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:25:15 -0000

I hate to talk about this subject, but I am very concerned as to how Baron Davis will be recieved by the Warriors fans when he returns to Oakland. I'm worried that the fans will boo him (I'm actually sure that some will), when he deserves a standing ovation, Hands Down!

Even when Jrich returned last year, I felt like the fans could have shown him more love. The video was nice, and we did give him a standing O, but it was very short lived.

Baron did so much for this franchise in the short time that he was here. On and off the court, he had passion for what he did.

I was one of many who was pissed at Baron when he first opted out, that is, until many of us found out that it was actually a rift between Mullin and Rowell that caused Baron to opt out. What would you have done if you were Baron? I mean, after all Mullin promised him an extension and it seemed like it was going to go through until Rowell nixed it. Makes me sick to my stomach. It was no coincidence that Baron opted out at the last minute, he was probably like "wtf?"

I am, and have always been a hug fan of Jamal Crawford since his days in Michigan, but he is not a true point guard, and neither is Monta. And I know people give Crawford heat, but he's going to be alright, have faith in him. However, it does show that we really do lack a playmaker and a guy who has that competitive fire that Baron brought us almost every night.

Baron deserves nothing but love when he returns to Oakland, and I really do hope that the Warriors make a video for him as well.

Poll

What do you think will happen when Baron returns to Oakland?

Mostly Cheers/Standing Ovation

228 votes

Mostly Boos

47 votes

Baron Will Probably Be Injured, And Won't Make The Trip To Oakland

93 votes

Video With Mostly Cheers

85 votes

Video With Mostly Boos

10 votes

463 votes | Poll has closed

Give Jamal Crawford A Break Guys!!!

Carmelballin — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 10:50:14 -0000

I know it may seem like Jamal Crawford hasn't been a part of many good Warrior wins this season, and there are a lot of people who think that they play better without him, but consider these factors:

1. Crawford comes in and he is expected to immediately become our starting point guard?! He has never been a starting point guard on a consistent basis, if ever. A new offense at the point guard position isn't that easy.

2. He seemed like he was trying to find himself in the offense, and was reluctant on when to take shots. He was trying to be a facilitator at first, and was doing the right thing by trying to pass the ball more. He was never able to get into a rhythm offensively when scoring, other than that Charlotte game when he was all they had.

3. Crawford wants to win, but I'm not sure whether he knows exactly how to yet. He just hasn't been around winners, but I think that can change. In Chicago, he never was on a great team since it was during the Bulls rebuilding era after MJ's Bulls. In New York, you can't expect anyone to succeeed in that situation for the past few years. I mean the Knicks may have been the most dispicable franchise in the past five years.

4. If you haven't been following Crawford throughout the years, he has had his share of game winning shots. He is pretty clutch.

5. As far as individual talent, he may be the most talented guy on the floor whenever the Warriors play. But like I said before, I think he's taking this adjustment one step at a time and not trying to do too much, just trying to be a facilitator.

Give Jamal some time, it takes everyone some time to adjust. When Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington first arrived, it took them a while. We didn't win our first few games. And we couldn't be more depleted health wise than we were. Stay positive for Jamal.