Kerry Crowley and I have finally gotten our schedules synced up — but things haven’t changed a whole lot in the NL or with the Giants since last we spoke. Kerry and I discuss whether this .500 club is just another variety of the one we’ve watched the past two years, or whether there’s something more interesting brewing under the surface. Along the way, we talk about the delightful surprise that has been Heliot Ramos, the pitching staff’s shortages, and the NL’s “race” for mediocrity.
I would like to think that this team when they get closer to full health in the 2nd half will finally rise above .500. As for the lack of stolen bases, the Giants have not been a juggernaut of base stealing for a really really long time. Even in their championship seasons, with the exception of 2012 they were either dead last or 2nd to last in taht category. You have to go way back to 1995, thanks to Barry Bonds, Royce Clayton & Darren Lewis, when they sat near the top of the stolen base category. Even then, it wasn't like they were year in and out stolen base leaders. Whether it's an organizational philosophy today, it's something they've lacked under several different front offices and managers. I would love to see the speedy guys like Bishop. Matos, Slater and Lee, once he's healthy, start to swipe bags. Estrada can't be the only guy stealing 20+ bags, and he's having a down season so far.
One of your best ever! The only topic I was hoping to hear about, but did not, is the Marco Luciano Position Debate. Maybe next time?
I think Kerry is right - if the Giants don’t make the playoffs, Zaidi will be fired.
"I think Kerry is right - if the Giants don’t make the playoffs, Zaidi will be fired."
Speaking of, is the podcast bell on backorder? 🔔
Yeah, Amazon's been really slow on that!
Excellent pod, especially discussion on young arms and SB. Thanks for all the hard work.
KROG!
I would like to think that this team when they get closer to full health in the 2nd half will finally rise above .500. As for the lack of stolen bases, the Giants have not been a juggernaut of base stealing for a really really long time. Even in their championship seasons, with the exception of 2012 they were either dead last or 2nd to last in taht category. You have to go way back to 1995, thanks to Barry Bonds, Royce Clayton & Darren Lewis, when they sat near the top of the stolen base category. Even then, it wasn't like they were year in and out stolen base leaders. Whether it's an organizational philosophy today, it's something they've lacked under several different front offices and managers. I would love to see the speedy guys like Bishop. Matos, Slater and Lee, once he's healthy, start to swipe bags. Estrada can't be the only guy stealing 20+ bags, and he's having a down season so far.