30th May 2015
The San Francisco Giants are considered by many a dynasty, having won three World Series Titles in the past five years. The amazing part is that the Giants do it with a very similar roster. Eight of the current twenty-five men on the active roster (not including Matt Cain) were on the 2010 World Champion team, with seven of them being pitchers. Brian Sabean doesn't go looking for the highest priced free agent, but rather a solid piece that fits the puzzle. This past off-season, there was a hole in the outfield due to the departure of Michael Morse, and a void at third base because of Pablo Sandoval signing with the Red Sox. What did Sabean do? He went out and signed outfielder Nori Aoki, who fits AT&T park perfectly with his slap hit style, as well as third baseman Casey McGehee, last year's NL Comeback Player of the Year. Aoki so far is hitting .321, 2 home runs, and 11 stolen bases while getting on-base at a .395 clip through his first 48 games. McGehee has fallen upon some rough times and was recently designated for assignment. Even though McGehee has struggled, rookie Matt Duffy has stepped up, batting .294 with 3 home runs and 22 RBIs through 37 games. Bruce Bochy always trusts his players and gives them an opportunity to succeed. The Giants have been surging of late, led by terrific pitching which has accrued nine shutouts, eight of which have come in the month of May. This has lead to a 21-7 record in May so far, the best in baseball. They have gone 8-2 in their last 10 games and have won 5 straight. Last night they also moved into 1st place and command a 0.5 game lead over the struggling Dodgers. Although San Francisco is never a sexy pick to make the playoffs, especially in a year that saw the Padres re-tool and the Dodgers just being the Dodgers, they are definitely playing like a division leader of late.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Thursday, May 28, 2015
The case for Josh Hamilton
28th of May 2015
Once seen as an inspiration all around baseball, Josh Hamilton has come upon a rough last few years. Nagged by injuries, bad performances and a relapse this past off season, the public view of Hamilton is often a negative one now. When people think of Hamilton they think of someone who has had too many struggles on the field as well as off. The Angels organization did not help this perception as Arte Moreno often uttered remarks such as "I will not say that," when asked if Hamilton would ever play with the Angels again. Moreno, in desperation to get him off of the Angel's roster, would eat up $68 million of Hamilton's contract to ship him over to Texas where he had his best years including his AL MVP season in 2010. This move allows Hamilton to play with no pressure and really take a step back to get back on track. He is around a great group of guys in the Rangers' clubhouse and will be with a fan base that will gladly take him back in. We all want Hamilton to get back to his potential on the field, but first and foremost, we want him to get his life together and on track so that he can be well off off of the field. Hamilton performed well in the minors, batting .364 with 1 home run and a slugging percentage of .545. Hopefully this is a sign that his power is back, and based on the reports it sounds like his plate discipline is also more selective than it was. Any production from Hamilton would be welcomed from the Rangers, and hopefully he gets back to being a presence so that he can protect Prince Fielder and Adrian Beltre in the Rangers' lineup. If he can manage to hit for an average around .270 with 15 home runs and drive in 50-70 RBIs, I think we would all be happy.
So tonight when Hamilton steps into the box for the first time as a Ranger at home since the 2012 AL Wild Card Game, hopefully he receives a big ovation, showing him that Ranger fans, as well as baseball fans, are behind him and will support him no matter what.
Once seen as an inspiration all around baseball, Josh Hamilton has come upon a rough last few years. Nagged by injuries, bad performances and a relapse this past off season, the public view of Hamilton is often a negative one now. When people think of Hamilton they think of someone who has had too many struggles on the field as well as off. The Angels organization did not help this perception as Arte Moreno often uttered remarks such as "I will not say that," when asked if Hamilton would ever play with the Angels again. Moreno, in desperation to get him off of the Angel's roster, would eat up $68 million of Hamilton's contract to ship him over to Texas where he had his best years including his AL MVP season in 2010. This move allows Hamilton to play with no pressure and really take a step back to get back on track. He is around a great group of guys in the Rangers' clubhouse and will be with a fan base that will gladly take him back in. We all want Hamilton to get back to his potential on the field, but first and foremost, we want him to get his life together and on track so that he can be well off off of the field. Hamilton performed well in the minors, batting .364 with 1 home run and a slugging percentage of .545. Hopefully this is a sign that his power is back, and based on the reports it sounds like his plate discipline is also more selective than it was. Any production from Hamilton would be welcomed from the Rangers, and hopefully he gets back to being a presence so that he can protect Prince Fielder and Adrian Beltre in the Rangers' lineup. If he can manage to hit for an average around .270 with 15 home runs and drive in 50-70 RBIs, I think we would all be happy.
So tonight when Hamilton steps into the box for the first time as a Ranger at home since the 2012 AL Wild Card Game, hopefully he receives a big ovation, showing him that Ranger fans, as well as baseball fans, are behind him and will support him no matter what.
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