THE REALISTIC GIANTS FAN: Ancient Quirks Help Game

Careful With This Game, It's an Antique

Barry Zito plunked Prince Fielder yesterday, and it re-opened the "baseball is an antiquated game" debate on local sports shows, as well as on the MLB Network. It got me thinking, is baseball too old-fashioned? Are players offended too easily? The argument from the Fielder side of the debate was that it was all done in good fun and it had nothing to do with the Giants in particular. The Giants on the other hand claim the right to be offended since they were in the middle of a pennant race. Who's right? If you ask me Fielder himself provided the answer, "they gotta do what they gotta do," he said when asked his opinion after the game.

These little "silly" nuances are what I love about baseball. Baseball is, at its core, a gentleman's game. It is definitely an athletic endeavor, but its rules, format and traditions make it resemble chess or poker more than basketball or football. Without getting too off subject people like Phil Hellmuth throwing fits, and the amateurs over celebrating at the World Series are not helping poker either. Baseball is more connected to its past than any other major sport. If you watched a game from 1930 you would still recognize the game being played. The actual game play and strategy has shifted the least in baseball. The ghosts of baseball are ever present. The second you step onto the field you are immediately compared to everyone who came before you. If you are a baseball fan you know the past well, and maybe even have some random things like Stan Musial's hit total, or Warren Spahn's victory total committed to memory. Yet even the staunchest football fan probably can't tell you Barry Sanders' final yardage, or Jerry Rice's touchdown total, and they were recent figures.

One of the things that I think keeps this link open is that baseball players still take exception to, and are offended by, the same minute things that ballplayers have been getting mad at since the dawn of the game. In this way baseball has been self-policing, and has kept the game following the same ebb and flow for over a hundred years. Maybe we think it's ridiculous that they get mad at these little things, but hey, they are the players, and they all seem to own a bit of the traditions they uphold. They feel a responsibility to keep the on field action contained within a certain parameter, and they take that responsibility very seriously. It's why things like touchdown dances, and cheerleaders, haven't infiltrated baseball. Baseball is to be played humbly. Not quite-but almost-with your head down. I like that baseball isn't filled with the arrogance of football, or the chest thumping of the NBA. Baseball still uses button down jerseys and long pants. It's a game that's supposed to remind you that it comes from a different time.

You also have to remember that a thing like this will help the team. It shows that we take care of business. Zito had to throw it at Fielder, otherwise it says he's not with the rest of the guys. We may have a different opinion on Zito (or more accurately you may, I like him just fine.), but the consensus in the clubhouse seems to be that he is a good teammate and a hard worker. He strikes me as a guy who is more rah rah than he lets on. He has probably been talking about drilling Fielder since he first learned that he was gonna start that game. I like that. It shows that these games mean something to these guys. I think you should like that too.

I'll tell you something funny I noticed though. Actually funny is probably the wrong word, but I can't believe I never noticed it before. Yesterday they showed the Fielder home run about a dozen times, and the MLB Network shows the Spilborghs walk-off homer periodically. Maybe you already knew but Merkin Valdez gave up both blasts. Usually that's something I would have picked up on in the moment. If I had I would have celebrated his exit a little more. So here it is, a belated so long/ good riddance to you Merkin Valdez!

(The Realistic Giants Fan appears every Monday and Friday. Feel free to contact me at realisticgiantsfan@yahoo.com)

THE REALISTIC GIANTS FAN: How to Make Sense of Spring

DO THESE GAMES MEAN ANYTHING?

Spring games are on the horizon. What do we really learn in spring training? What do we need to pay attention to to get a good read on the players? The contradictions are immense. If someone has a bad spring but already has a roster spot we are told that spring was about getting his work in, and to rest assured he will turn it on when the season gets going. If a youngster has a great spring we are told to look out cause here he comes. If the team wins, it's a good omen. The season will probably be good. If they lose, well its just spring training, it doesn't mean anything. Well which is it?

Personally in spring training I look to see the starting pitchers innings towards mid-March, and where the game is at after six innings. By mid-March the pitchers are throwing to the max as far as where they get in spring training , as opposed to the beginning where they throw one or two innings, or the end where they make sure not to overwork before the season gets going. As for the offense, spring games end after six. The seventh inning on becomes an exercise in how well you know your favorite organization. The pitchers they are facing are at the bottom of the totem pole, which is appropriate since the hitters are as well. If you watch spring training games to the end you are truly as sick as I am. That is not a good thing.

The true barometer for how we will do though is in last year's results. We won 88 last year. Did we improve? Yes. That simply means that intact, we should have a better year. Period. Spring training thus becomes in its truest form, a health report. That's the main thing we all need to watch. Is everyone breaking camp healthy? Injuries sack a season much quicker than poor play. These guys are professionals, they are gonna put up some assemblance of their numbers. Even Aaron Rowand has been in the neighborhood. Yes his Homers are down, but his doubles slightly increased (ballpark effect anyone?). His RBI numbers were similar, and his average went down a bit, but he still put something up. He has stayed relatively healthy, and believe me, that's better than paying him to sit. When people have down years, they are hurt. Plain and simple. Look at Edgar Renteria last year. That was an injury riddled year, and I swear I said coming out of spring, "He's throwing weird." Boom. Elbow problems, a clue in I received from last year's spring training.

If you actually read this drivel you are obviously a knowledgable baseball mental patient, and thus you are smart and filled with baseball common sense. You know what to look for. Solid play, damn the results. If your team is good (see the Yankees, every spring training in recent memory) you will win in the spring. Your team will be so ahead after six your minor league no names can't possibly blow it. You will just get that feeling...the same one you got last spring when you just knew it was gonna be a winning season. Or you'll get the other one where you're sick to your stomach and just know it's gonna be a long year. You will know, you will feel it. Think about it, have you ever truly been surprised by a year? I can think of only one and that was I DID NOT see Atlanta coming in 1991. I'd be interested in your responses.

The bottom line on spring training is don't put too much thought into it. Just enjoy the fact that your best friend has returned for another year, and he will be with you everyday until November. He doesn't want anything out of you but to come and spend a nice warm day in the park. This your recreation. If losing years have done anything for me it's that they help me realize that beyond being a Giants fan, I just plain love this game. Baseball is beautiful, and while the other sports have their exciting moments, NOTHING beats a good baseball game, if simply for the facts that a clock can't be run out, and a penalty or foul can't be committed to kill the other teams momentum. So remember to enjoy this season, and don't get stressed like I do. It's not healthy!

(The Realistic Giants fan appears every Monday and Friday. Please feel free to contact me at therealisticgiantsfan@yahoo.com)

THE REALISTIC GIANTS FAN: Does the Panda Have Disciplinary Problems?

EXCESS PANDA POUNDS

So the rumor has it that the Panda has a put a few pounds on. I am of the mind that the media usually blows things out of proportion, but this is one story they've been sticking to that I agree with them on. Weight should never be an athletic issue. With the amount of hard work it takes for someone to make it to the Major Leagues they are usually in shape when they arrive, and stay that way throughout their careers, maybe balooning a bit at the end. Pitchers have had a long tradition of weight gain over time, but let's face it, their position doesn't demand the same from them, as say third base would. Panda's defenders point to his batting average and quick feet as his defense, but I guarantee both attributes will lessen as the weight increases. This is beyond a man being able to play while big, this is a disciplinary issue.

It is obvious to anyone who watches him that the Panda enjoys playing the game. I also enjoy playing the game, but my love of food and beer, combined with my lack of talent, outweighed any chance I had at making the majors. Pablo, though, has the talent, which should be enough to drive him to discipline. My day job is playing poker, and in that area of discipline-my area-I don't drink, I get a good nights sleep, and I don't eat anything greasy. These simple measures allow my mind to be clear, they keep me at my best, and help me stay alert and awake. I also had to study lots of boring math, and work really hard to get to a point where a profit is turned most of the time. That being said, what it leads to in my off time, the ability to have no boss overbearing me, spending lots of time with my daughter, writing Giants blogs, etc... outweighs the lack of "fun" I have on days I play. The Panda needs to see the money and glory that will come with dietary discipline. He has a daughter himself, and while he will almost indefinitely set himself for life monetarily within the next few years, he could make enough to set his children, and his children's children, for life. Panda could be a superstar, but superstars in this game just plain don't weigh 350 lbs. Before you point to Prince Fielder, look his father Cecil up, and then we'll re-discuss it in five years when that large mammal is out of the game. Perhaps I'm over-reacting, as Fielder may take the Frank Thomas route and DH, (btw, Frank was just a tremendously large individual with much muscle mass who should have played Linebacker, so he doesn't really count as fat.) but if the Panda eats himself into DH duty, what good will that do us over here in the NL West?

I am indeed overweight myself, so I don't want to spend too much time on this subject, but I guess I am pleading with my new favorite player to eat better, for the good of the team. I do know though, having eaten many delicious salads and varities of sushi in my lifetime, that there is a lot of healthy food out there that also tastes quite delicious. The problem for most of us in the common world, however, is that these entrees are often quite expensive. I realize that Pablo is young and hasn't hit his BIG payday yet, but he should be within the realm of being able to pay for healthier foods. Hell there are even places that pre prep the food for you. They put it in containers and all you have to do is heat the damn thing up. One of these companies, called "Dream Dinners" is even relatively cheap when compared to what he probably spends going out all the time. Keeping in shape should not be too hard for him, especially as the season gets going. The Giants will probably really monitor his eating habits. Not only that, but he will also be getting daily workouts, obviously. That being said, it is the offseason that worries me. He played winter ball, and still gained weight. In future offseasons he will be completely on his own, and probably will not play in the Venezuelan League. In fact, don't let me overblow it. He only played in one or two games this winter.

I actually suspect his weight gain in his return home was goaded by his mother, and his grandmothers if they are still around. I am half Latino myself, on my mother's side, and I am aware of how elder Latinas will stop just short of shoving incredibly fattening food down your throat (and then be the first to tell you you're getting pudgy, but that's another article for Psychology Today I'm writing later). It's probably hard for him to go home. My suggestion on that front is don't go home next year. Pay for them to visit you, and then control the eating. Maybe even eat separately from them, although, again drawing on my latino background, that may be impossible, as sharing a meal is HUGE in Latin culture. Even so, the Panda needs to see that this is his life, his career, and his well being. No one suffers or benefits from his decisions at this current time, but himself. Our biggest hope? He's 23, lots of time to rein it in.

Don't be the next Kevin Mitchell.

P.S. My man Damon Bruce moves to KNBR 1050 on Monday, and I'm going with him! For those of you who listen to Sportsphone regularly I call in as "Pocket Aces", and will make sure to call him on Monday. His show will now run from noon-4. KNBR can be found at 1050 on your Northern California AM dial, if you are somewhere else simply go to KNBR.COM and click on the "1050 listen now" Icon. The Parent station, KNBR 680, is the Giants radio flagship. D-Bruce is the best. He is the original inspiration for me to be so damn realistic!

(The Realistic Giants fan appears every Monday and Friday. Feel free to contact me at realisticgiantsfan@yahoo.com)

THE REALISTIC GIANTS FAN: Spring is Here

SPRINGTIME FOR HITTERS, AND JOURNEYMEN.

(WILL YOU REALLY GET THE PRODUCERS REFERENCE?)

I haven't written anything in a while, but then there hasn't been much to say. Yes Lincecum signed his deal, Byun-Hyung Kim joined the fold, and now Todd Wellemeyer has come along to challenge Madison Bumgarner for the fifth starter role. I see those stories as King's things to follow. I'm here to report a realistic fan perspective after the fact, and maybe give you some insight from many years of experience in fandom. Now that pitchers and catchers have reported the real meat of things is about to begin. I am ready to begin my first year of analysis following my favorite team. Believe it or not I am honored to report to both of you who read this article. Which reminds me, if anyone does read my run on mularkey, please say something in the comment section. I often wonder if you really exist.

That being said, I guess I kind of have to comment on the Lincecum deal. Yes, it's good to not have to worry about next year and arbitration, but if you're gonna do a multi-year deal can't you get more than two done? I appreciate that there are behind the scenes details that we are not privy to, but I just can't wrap my mind around how more years doesn't benefit both sides. Lincecum feels indestructible right now, and that's to be expected. He's young and hasn't even sniffed serious injury yet. (Though do not forget the missed start last year with back problems) I get why he is cocky enough to think year to year might be his best course, but what confuses me are his agent and father. Two people old enough to know better. They should be pushing him towards a four or five year deal. Would it leave money on the table? Possibly, but think how much money it kept on the table for Noah Lowry. He seemed like a new horse at one point, didn't he? I believe he was 26 or 27 before his breakdown started, and it was unexpected. I obviously don't want Lincecum to break down, I want him to pitch 'til he's 50, I just can't help but think going so slowly is a mistake, in the name of a few extra million.

If Todd Wellemeyer starts the season as the fifth starter, we're in trouble.

Ahhh...ARIZONA! My favorite springtime location. I must admit that I've now gotten old enough to feel like last season just ended, and have felt this way the last few years, but that doesn't mean I don't remember when the end of the World Series and the first day of Spring Training seemed like a decade apart. Maybe when you get older time moves quicker, or maybe the World Series used to end on October 15th, and spring Training didn't begin until March 1st, aesthetically adding a month. Who knows? Who cares? It's back and that is all that matters. I wonder why it even has to go away. Just play the whole damn year like a real job. Actually it would be unnecessary, because for some of us it doesn't end. I didn't go one day this winter without peering in on the MLB Network at least once. I'm just as bad with the NFL Network in that offseason. Isn't it great that now with the Super Bowl being pushed back a week we truly only have to deal with about a week and a half of no officially sanctioned football or baseball activities. If I liked basketball too I would never have to take a break. However, other than that late 90s/early 2000s Sacramento Kings run, I've just never gotten too into it. I seriously had to force myself to watch the playoff run of a couple years ago when the Warriors surprised the Mavericks, and then got sucked in, and am glad I did, but still, it took a lot to get me to watch it.

So now we find ourselves on the cusp of another new season. Every season is filled with a certain degree of hope, because of course you never know, but this season is better. You have three spring outlook options. The aformentioned hope, then years like last camp that are full of potential. We are now in the third tier, the fun tier, where we are now filled with expectation. The feeling that anything short of a playoff berth is nothing less than failure. That is where we stand, and that, my friends, is where we want to be. We better make it to the post season this year. We won 88 games with our church bingo granny offense last year, and its improved. Not only that, but very quietly everyone else in the division with the exception of Arizona got worse. It's been damn near handed to us. I will say that I do never know what to expect out of Colorado, and they can make or break the deal as well. Sometimes they just get so hot they become unstoppable. That being said, Jim Tracy's "charm" has yet to work two years in a row, so I have an inkling they will stink. You never know, though.

I think this should be a good year, a fun year. We should play consistently winning baseball, and I see a big year coming from Huff, and over 30 homers from the Panda. I predict Posey ending the year as the starting catcher, and I see Freddy Sanchez hitting .330 in a full year at a ballpark that was built for his hitting style. These may seem like big predictions, but they are all attainable. That being said, I don't see the bullpen having as good of a year as they did last year, except for the back end. Brian Wilson will tighten it up and blow less than four saves this year. Matt Cain will lead the team in wins, Zito will lose less than 10 and keep his ERA under 4.00, and last but not least, in my boldest prediction yet, and actually I already made it in a previous article, Nate Schierholtz will have breakout year. I'm talking 50 walks, .300 average, 15 HRs, 70 RBI, 30 2Bs, 5 3Bs, and a gold glove. See how crazy I sound in October.

In summation, if they don't win, it's just gonna be plain unacceptable.

(The Realistic Giants fan appears every Monday and Friday, from here on out. Promise. Feel free to email me at realisticgiantsfan@yahoo.com)