April 2006 Archives

It's a given: I go away on vacation, stay as far away as possible from an Internet connection so as not to be tempted into blogging from the side of a volcano, and Giants-related news happens hot and heavy. Not...
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At least once a year I like to check in on our former Gigantes. The exercise affords me a feeling that's one-half nostalgia, one-half Schadenfreude, and one-half teeth-gnashing jealousy. In emotional literacy, as in all other aspects of my life,...
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Wait a second: how welcome is the imminent return of Armando Benitez? On the radio last night, Felipe Alou said he threw two innings in a minor-league game and looked just OK. Felipe was not turning verbal somersaults. His fastball...
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OK, unbelievers, it's time to repent. All Brian Sabean's off-season moves are working so far. The '06 Giants are built not for speed or power but for depth, and so far it's working. No Niekro? Mark Sweeney, say hello to...
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After 11 games, the Giants' new motto is either: a) Enjoy It While It Lasts! or b) They've Gotta Start Hitting At Some Point! The Giants 7-4 win-loss record could just as easily describe the ratio of smoke to mirrors...
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In a time...when honest men were easily seduced to the dark side... In a land....where an ancient evil held domain... One man was civilization's best defense. With the honorable tools of wood and leather, he practiced the healing art of...
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Did anyone just notice that the Giants opened the season with series against two division winners and the NL champions, suffered multiple disruptions because of weather, had neither their closer, a key starting pitcher nor an effective Barry Bonds, and...
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The Giants conveniently had three days off while I was gone, so I didn't feel bad about abandoning my blog duties. Here's a quick outline of my Chicago trip: - Saturday: Babes With Blades. I kid you not. Great idea,...
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Three games into the season, and Barry Bonds looks mortal. It's painful watching him run in the outfield, and there are signs, yesterday's two intentional walks notwithstanding, of opposing teams being less fearful this year. Sign #1: Jake Peavy going...
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First win of the year: nothing to sneeze at. Achoo. But there's a disreputable saying that goes something like, "I'd rather be lucky than good" -- Mae West, perhaps? -- and tonight that's exactly what the Giants were. Not that...
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* Jason Schmidt was throwing harder than last year. According to the FSN gun, his fastball ranged from 90-92 with an occasional 93 or 94. That's not as fast as he used to throw regularly, but it's plenty if his...
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Friends: I'll be watching Monday's Giants-Padres opener at Yancy's Saloon on Irving St. in the Inner Sunset. Anyone who wants to join me, I'll be parked in front of the big screen, wearing a Giants cap and several days of...
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