Barry Zito - Game 4 - Must Win

Wanna revisit "torture 2010"? The San Francisco Giants are playing the Reds in a must win game to stay alive in the best of five series.  The Reds lead the series two games to one.  The Giants are battling and showing more pop in their bats than last night.

The question on every Giants fan's tortured mind is can Giants pitcher Barry Zito be money on the mound today and wipe his underachieving slate clean? So far he's manning-up and leading the way. But the Reds have some leading men on their roster too, and their testing Zito every step of the way.

I'm trying to listen to my beloved baseball team pull out what many say would be a miracle; a three game sweep of the Reds in Cincinnati.  Oh boy, it's the bottom of the third and Zito has been pulled due to early command issues (2 earned runs). If you don't know the "Zito Story," then you just wouldn't understand. In comes Kontos.

It's almost to the point where I just can't bare to watch.  Sure we're leading, but, but, but..........Oh Hell, it ain't like it's our last day on earth. Is it?

Don't Worry!

 

Update:

It would be Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum to the rescue, coming in to get the final out in the fourth, then limiting the Reds to one run on two hits with six strikeouts. Santiago Casilla closed out the ninth as the San Francisco Giants pitched and batted their way to an 8-3 win. WOW!  Let Timmy Smoke Dammit!

 

Serie Tied 2-2
Game 5 Tomorrow

Game	Matchup	Day	Date	Time ET	TV	Courtyard
Gm 1	CIN 5 @ SF 2	Sat	Oct. 6
Gm 2	CIN 9 @ SF 0	Sun	Oct. 7
Gm 3	SF 2 @ CIN 1	Tue	Oct. 9
Gm 4	SF 8 @ CIN 3	Wed	Oct. 10
Gm 5	SF @ CIN	Thu	Oct. 11	1:00 PM	TBS

Champion Mission Bears Claw Galileo Lions 37-20

On a bright and sunny day with Blue Angel Jets Roaring through the blue skies, a very competitive high school football game was played here in San Francisco. The Galileo Lions hosted last season's champion Mission High Bears and the game was much closer than the final score would indicate.

Friday Night High School Football  is still as exciting as ever with the zaniest of incidents taking place both on the field and off. Play was delayed a few times early in the game due to the eardrum bursting boom of the jets overhead. 

The electronic scoreboard seemed to go out everytime the jets made a pass. The public announcer sounded like a visually challenged member of the Lions glee club, constantly getting the Bears down and distance wrong. There was plenty of pushing and shoving after plays by both teams and even the cheerleaders were googlie-eyeing one another in-between chants.  Yep, a typical friday night lights kind of day.

Kickoff was at 3pm, just as the Blue Angels took to the skies.  There was one entertaining stunt plane doing loops, zig-zags and swirling smoke dives through the air.  Perfect day on the bay.

Then after the coin flip, the zig-zags and stunts began on the football field.

A Bay Area Baseball Blast

Con-Frickin-Gratulations Oakland A's in sweeping the Texas Rangers and winning the AL West Division championship.  The A's continue to be the most improbable team to make it to the post season.  How they did it and who they did with is a story for the ages. Are You Kidding Me!

Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Grant Balfour, top, and catcher Derek Norris celebrate after their 12-5 win over the Texas Rangers in a baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012 in Oakland, Calif. The A's clinch the AL West title with the win. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

Even on the last day of the regualar season they came from behind to tie, then take the lead, against the reigning AL World Series representative the past two years.  When Texas Rangers center fielder Josh Hamilton dropped a sure out fly ball in a 5-5 tie to end the fourth inning, you knew the baseball Gods were smiling down  on the Oakland A's.  With two runs coming in on that play, the A's never looked back as their pitching shutdown the Rangers while their bats produced a 12-5 shallacking of Texas.

The Rangers must now play in the one game wild-card showdown that appears at this time to be on the road in Baltimore.  Gooood Luuuck!

Giants Bury Dodgers Postseason Hopes

San Francisco Giants put to rest an arrogant, greedy, good for nothing blue-wearing bum. The MLB postseason will be better off not having the Los Angeles Dodgers to stink up the competition. Fans have the classy Orange&Black Giants to thank for it.

The Giants ended the Dodgers postseason hopes with a beautiful 4-3 victory last night in Los Angeles.  They did it with Barry Zito and Sergio Romo pitching accompanied by clutch hitting by Posey, Arias and M-a-r-c-o S-c-u-t-a-r-o.  Believe me, Scutaro's double will be added to the heartbreak of Dodger lore.

Gotta give the bums in blue credit, they didn't go down without a fight, kicking, screaming and scratching the whole way. But they went down and all is right in the baseball universe.

Congratulations NL West Heroes for slaying the blue beast of baseball.  Its okay to kick a beast when its down, as long as its wearing a blue L.A. baseball cap and attempting a comeback.

Oakland A's Punch Ticket To The Postseason

Last night the other bay area baseball team, the one known for the second lowest payroll in the majors ($ 55,372,500), clinched a playoff birth on home turf in front of its blue collar fans.  The team most likely to end the season at the bottom of the AL Division is now vying for the division crown.

Congratulations Oakland A's for proving once again that huge payrolls (a la Dodgers/Yankees) are not the only path to a Championship.  The A's have two regular season games to play against the Texas Rangers in Oaktown that will determine who'll wear the crown.

I've said it all season, the '2012' A's are the scrappiest bunch of bastards to play baseball in Oakland since the 1970's.

Let's-Go-Oak-Land!

Catching Up On My Sports

While away from this blog I experienced LIVE my Oakland Raiders at home putting up a classic Victory over the Blitzburgh Steelers.  It was new Head Coach Dennis Allen's first victory. That's RB Darren McFadden above, finishing off his 64-yard touchdown run. Amazing!

Steelers fans came out bigtime, waving terrible towels and acting like they owned the Oakland Coliseum.  By the time the clock struck zero in the fourth quarter, the Raiders were celebrating a 34-31 Victory and all the yellow terrible towels were drenched in tears. Meanwhile, the Silver & Black clad Raider Nation was whooping it up like we'd won the super bowl.  The game was so emotional and tension filled that it left us fans exhausted with glee. 

If the Raiders, with a much improved Carson Palmer at quarterback, put together a playoff earning season, they'll point to this game as the springboard that propelled them. With a game day that began with Former Raider and Hall of Famer Marcus Allen lighting the Eternal Al Davis Torch, everything else that followed was pure sports gravy.  It was Electrifying! Just Win Baby!

In Baseball News, the San Francisco Giants clinched the NL West Division, earning their second trip to the postseason in three years.  Any threat their southern rival in blue may have presented was doused in an avalanche of Giants runs and wins.  The orange and black have stepped up their game. They're playing with an urgency to win and have called all hands on deck, including veteran slugger Aubrey Huff.  Manager Bruce Bochy continues daily to put together the player pieces that best matchup against the opponent. The Giants are the envy of the NL West and the nightmare of the rest. Go Giants!

The 49ers fell to earth with an ugly loss in Minnesota and the Green Bay Packers might've been "Tucked" out of a win in Seattle where the Seahawks got a gift from replacement referrees.

Today those same refs were given their walking papers as the NFL came to terms with the 'REAL' referrees and welcomed Ed ' Big Guns' Hochuli and his zebra-striped brethren back in time for the Thursday Nite NFL game. Warning, the agreement is tentative pending union approval.

This Sunday the Raiders travel to Denver to test their winning ways against the Peyton Manning led Broncos.  Coach Allen, Broncos defensive coordinator last season, returns to Denver for the first time to prowl the visitors side of the field dressed in black. Denver lost last sunday to the Houston Texans.


Finally, I've gotta give a shout out to the Spaniard, Sergio Martinez, who on Sept. 15th dominated Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. for 11 rounds in a WBC Middleweight Title Fight. 

The Argentinian showed true grit in surviving a twelth round in which Chavez could've and should've stolen the fight.  After Chavez scored a knockdown in the round, he couldn't score the knockout and the Spaniard walked away wrapped in a well earned middleweight belt Victory. 

East Coast Bias In Baseball? Again?

The SF Giants magic number to clinch the NL West Division pennant is 5 and the national media is still stiff-arming the Orange & Black. 

No headline news coverage of the Giants push for the pennant on major sports media outlets. Instead, we get how the L.A. Dodgers are making a run for the wild card.  Its as if the sports analysts and newsboys are still sulking about the SF Giants winning the 2010 World Series while their darling yankees looked on from a couch. 

Oh Well, its okay. It is what it is.  We won it two years ago with only local media support and if that's the way they want it, we'll show them again in 2012.  We no need no stinkin' national news print to propel us toward the playoffs.  We're bigger than that. We've a roster full of hard working men playing in a synchronized team-first style with awesome coaching.  We're Giants!

Let's Go Giants!

 

more on "Giants and east coast bias"



San Francisco Giants - Magic #7

Yes indeed! The San Francisco baseball Giants are making us fans believers once again.  In a season marred by injury, controversy and un-Giants-like pitching, the Orange & Black are seven games away from sealing a trip to the playoffs; and not as a wild card berth.

Lincecum Logo

I attended what'll probably be my last or next to last regular season game last night. It was an exciting battle against the Colorado Rockies.  The Giants came out of it unscarred with a decisive 6-3 Victory.  Tim Lincecum looked close to his old self, pitching six shutout innings, before leaving with the bases loaded.  Relief came in and quickly put out the fire before it had a chance to consume our lead. 

I haven't allowed myself to think playoffs just yet, but trust me, I got the fat lady in my closet tied and gagged, waiting for that magic number to become a playoff reality.

Lets Go Giants!

Steve Sabol - NFL Films

Its a sad day in the Pro Football world.  Steve Sabol has passed away.

Along with his Hall of Fame dad Ed, Steve was the heart and soul of NFL Films.  My condolences go out to the Sabol family.  Without the Sabol stamp on professional football, my fandom and many others might never have reached the heights it has.  

Mr. Sabol, Thank you for the lasting sights and sounds of our glorious sport.  And thank you for allowing us to dream greatness. 

Steve, We The Raider Nation Salute You!

The Autumn Wind

Carson Palmer - Part of the Problem

Damn! Damn! Damn!  It's the third quarter and I've just watched Raiders starting quarterback Carson Palmer throw another errant pass. He ain't losing the game for us (Raiders 10 Dolphins7), but he damn sure ain't winning it.

The Raiders offense looks like they're on the cusp of doing some great things, but the inconsistent quarterback play and leadership of Carson Palmer is holding them back.

I've just about seen enough.  Carson has cost us a touchdown in the red zone.  Bring in backup Matt Leinert, Bring in the young and talented Terrelle Pryor.  We need someone at the helm of our offense that the young team can rally around and win with. We need him yesterday.

Oh Shit! Defense is beginning to look tired. Dolphins just scored to take the lead.  Just Do It Coach! Just Do It!

3rd Qtr
Raiders 10
Dolphins 14

Coach didn't do it and the day just got uglier and uglier for the Raiders in Miami.

It didn't happen for the Raiders today.  Maybe it was the 75% humidity that beat them and not Reggie Bush's two long touchdown runs / 172 total yards. Maybe.

Give Me Some More SUMO

Last weekend's Sumo demonstration in Japantown was a true sports fan treat.  Not only was it free, but it was up close and personal.

Though the host of the event reminded me of a over-the-top Las Vegas showman, his humor and educational value in sharing the world of Sumo was great. As for the Sumo wrestlers, they did not disappoint, strong as an ox and as fun and friendly as Barney.

It was obviously a promotional event to plug a main event to be held in Los Angeles later this month, so the wrestlers didn't really go all out.  But mind you, these guys are over 300 pounds of humanity, trained in an art of competitive combat. So any clashing of titans in the form of Sumo Wrestlers, no matter how fierce, is going to result in rolling thunder.

In a nutshell, the event was wonderful.  I had friends in town from the east coast who really enjoyed it, taking pictures and texting back to friends about what they were witnessing.  It was a perfect day for the outdoor Sumo demonstration and the sparse crowd allowed for close and unobstructed viewing.

The best part of the event might have been the end where children were allowed to go up against their Sumo Wrestler of choice in the ring. The children were as funny as ever with some being frightened and others being fearless as they entered the Sumo circle, squatted down into their crouch with fists planted firmly on the mat, face to face with a real live Sumo.  Clash of the Tot-ans.  Ever see 40 pounds go up against 380 pounds?  I did. It was an all around entertaining event, fun for the whole family.

Raiders Rebuilding Takes Time

A SF Chronicle writer said it best when comparing the Oakland Raiders return to glory with the building of Rome; It'll take time.

"It'll take time to return to glory." 

Last night's 22-14 loss to the San Diego Chargers left us Raiders fans wondering just how long will it take to see our team play with the magic of those long gone glory days.  With a rocking coliseum crowd thumping to the pre-game show by Ice Cube. Followed by a two jet fly-over by Travis Air Force base pilots while Gene Simmons of Kiss sang the national anthem, the night couldn't have been more prepped for a Raiders return to greatness. But something weird happened after the Raiders opening drive, which was going so well, ended in rookie wide receiver Rod Streater's fumble. 

The Raiders offense became a one man show where everyone, including the Chargers, had a sense of where the ball was going.  Still, Raiders running back Darren McFadden was elusively productive in gaining yards, but not so in touchdowns.

Like the Raiders defense most of the evening, the Chargers became rock-solid in red zone defense, forcing field goals when touchdowns were needed.  If it hadn't been for a complete special teams collapse, the Raiders might've been able to pull out a defensive victory. But that is a pipe dream that rebuilding teams can only fantasize about.  Sure defense can win championships, but not when the other two units (offense & special teams) are struggling.  

Raiders QB Carson Palmer looked better than he did in preseason, but its obvious that he misses receiving targets Danarius Moore and Jacoby Ford.  If last night's loss is any indication of what the 2012 season holds for the Oakland Raiders, then we should be prayerful that the A's and Giants promising playoff push continues.

Win, Lose or Tie!

Invictus (latin for Unconquered)

by William E. Henley, 1849-1903

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll.

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

FOOTBALL SEASON 2012

The Sport That Teases You With Anticipation

The courtship is over

The acquisition has been made

The foreplay has us excited

The wedding vows of team and fan are thus:

"I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all season long."

By the power invested in football you are pronounced Married to the Game.

Congratulations!

SF Giants & Oakland A's Battling

With football season at the starting line waiting for the whistle to blow, I find myself torn between staying up with major league baseball pennant races and keeping an eye on the Oakland Raiders along with the rest of the NFL transactions, injuries and developments.  This is the time of year where being a multi-sports fan can get very hectic.  

For those who are mild fans of major league sports, thank your stars for being spared the addiction. Oh we fanatics are rewarded with the roller coaster ride of our lives, but the prep work is a mother.  You've gotta do your homework on players, coaches, team strengths and weaknesses.  And you have to know as much about division rivals and opponents as you do the team you're addicted to. Because to be informed is to be armed.  And you don't wanna go into a battle unarmed. In sports, as in life, that's just suicide.

So here we are about to enter September, the last month of baseball's regular season and the first month of football's. The SF-Oakland Bay Area baseball teams are in good positions to make the playoffs. They're overcoming injuries, scandals and competitors spending big money down the stretch for all-star caliber players. Both the A's and Giants are winning with fundamental baseball and a bunch of scrappy players who've chosen to make a run for the championship regardless of the odds.

Meanwhile the Raiders & 49ers are locked and loaded for a season like no other in recent memory.  The Raiders begin a season with a totally new regime and without the man who started their winning ways over 50 years ago, owner Al Davis.  The 49ers are coming off a trip to the NFC championship game and their second year coach expects them to show last season was no fluke.

It's gonna be a sports filled indian summer as the bay area welcomes back that winning feeling in sports.  When the San Francisco Giants won the World Series in fall 2010, nobody expected it.  Now not only are bay area fans expecting their teams to get to the championship, they expect them to get their and win the damn thing.

So get ready folks, the whistle has blown, the bell has rung, the gun has sounded.  We're off and running full speed ahead toward one goal and one goal only.  Winning It All!

Go!

Final
Giants 3
Astros 2

Final
Athletics 7
Indians 0

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity

Here is a college fraternity established in 1914 with a credo that includes general community service.  This image of a dapper suited gentleman with top hat and cane caught my attention.  The list of "famous Sigmas" includes many sports figures you might just remember.  

I don't know much about Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, but their mission statement being one of service is definitely in line with my life statement of service to humanity. The suit alone is priceless.

Go Sigmas!

Raider Defense Takes No Prisoners

Yesterday's Raiders game at the Oakland Coliseum (O.Co) was hopefully a showing of things to come.  Though starting Quarterback Carson Palmer's play is still not on par with elite QB's in the league, the offense found ways to move the ball and put a touchdown on the board with him leading them.  

While Carson puttered and sputtered in the first half offense, the starting Defense was putting a hurt on the Detroit Lions high ranking offense.  They put the starting Lions quarterback out of the game, shut down Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson, the same receiver who put a dagger in the Raiders at O.Co last December, and they continued their domination over running backs.  For as much offensive fire power the Raiders have, the team has shown that the Defense will most likely reflect the teams' personality through the 2012 season. I can live with that!

Former Raiders coach Hue Jackson talked about 'building a bully' in Oakland. New head coach Dennis Allen ain't talking about building a bully, he's put the bully, fully assembled, out on the field for our unbelieving eyes to behold.  Yes indeed.  For those visiting teams entering the Oakland Coliseum this season, the inscription above the gates of hell need apply; "Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here".

Meanwhile, the second half offense, though playing against a second string I'm sure, played some amazing football.  Led by backup quarterback Terrell Pryor, the Raiders offense struck big and often, producing 21 points to seal the win. Pryor, who looked awful in his last preseason performance, appeared to have found his leadership quality, field generalship and passing touch.  Two plays where he ran like a gazelle, and one touchdown pass he threw on the run that spiraled perfectly toward a receiver in stride were enough proof for us watching that Pryor's got definite star player skillz.


I must give more discription to that beautiful pass he threw to rookie WR Juron Criner for a  76 yard touchdown. Pryor rolled out right avoiding the rush and while on the run lofted a right-handed pass across his body that had arch, timing and accuracy as it landed at the right place at the right time. Criner, who is billed as having catcher's mitt hands, pulled in the pass with a reach-down grab as he regained his balance and took it to the house.

We Ready For Some Football Ya'll!

Raiders vs Lions Quick Hit List (raiders.com)

Raiders Roll (NFL Quick Take)

No Crying In Petaluma

Most likely, there were a number of mothers pitching baseball tears in Petaluma for their little league brawlers who made it to yesterday's U.S. Little League Championship game.  You mothers should know that your little men played like champions and deserve a champion's welcome home party.  

So moms, dry up those toddler tears and be ready to welcome home your Giant of a little man.  He may have left home a boy, but believe me, he ain't no little boy no moe! Life has thrown him a curve that will help shape his future as much as any parent's pampering can. How he and his parents respond to the adversity of losing on a national stage is crucial in both their development.

The Petaluma Little League team made all of Northern California (NoCal) as proud as a pumpkin's smile on Halloween.  Though  some Petaluma parents felt the heartache of the teams' 24-16 seven inning loss to Tennessee more than others, all will be able to celebrate along with the rest of NoCal as the historic, high scoring game becomes one of legendary proportions.

"The teams combined for 40 runs and 35 hits"

Congratulations Petaluma, You've Made History!

Good Luck Tennesse in your Battle Against Japan!

SERIES UPDATE:  Japan crushes Tennessee

The Beauty of a Giants Sweep of the Dodgers

Madison 8/20/12 Bumgarner

Giants 2

Dodgers 1       

Tim 8/21/12 Lincecum

Giants 4

Dodgers 1

Matt 8/22/12 Cain

Giants 8

Dodgers 4

Tonight it was Joaquin Arias who stepped up and slayed the Dodgers with his bat and one amazing fielding of the ball and throw to first for the out.  In left field Justin Christian would top that play with a diving catch that makes you go; Melky Who?

Damn, Damn, Damn Milk Man for getting caught.

Okay, back to the three game series between the two NL West teams battling for the division.

The San Francisco Giants are playing like a team with something to prove.  They went down to L.A. and handled the billion-dollar Dodgers like the hometown team were nobody's in a nothing stadium.  Seeing the Dodger fans and L.A. celebrities looking like they were watching a bad sitcom was the best Wednesday night show I've watched on television in ages.  There were Giants fans there cheering on the orange and black.  It was a huge series for the Giants to SWEEP and leave with a 2.5 game division lead.

Melky? We No Need No Stinkin Melky!

Joaquin 'Kobe' Arias

Democracy Being Sold Down The Drain

Democracy For Sale

Here's an article that seems to confirm what many Americans and most of the 99 Percenters have been bi@tching about.  Our so called "Free Democracy" is being sold (via contributions) by those we elect to uphold and protect the American way of life, to those few who believe their riches afford them the right to make policy.  

When the 400 richest Americans are richer than the bottom 150 million, you can bet your last dollar that it occurred not by accident but by intelligent design. Its not all the rich that are the problem, but those without good economic conscience and little to no accountability for their depressing trickle-down economics. 

In the article "Democracy falling prey to moguls and magnates" by Robert Reich, the real crisis facing citizens of the United States of America is made clear and present.  It's not unemployment, healthcare costs, housing market or suspect financial institution practices. These are mere symptoms and side effects of the favored-contributor-disease.  The real crisis is in the selfish greediness of the rich contributors.  They simply want all the country's wealth without being accountable for collateral damage caused by their profit seeking warfare.  

Maybe I have fallen into the "seductive trap" that Mr. Reich so wisely warns about, but unlike some cynics, I believe the selling trend can be reversed and put in check.  If and/or when we wake up to find not California cities filing for bankruptcy but our Federal Government warding off international investors and lenders, then maybe Change we can All believe in will be at hand. 

Let's pray we and our system of government can check and balance itself out of doing business in the gutter, before finding our Democracy called on the international carpet to account for the fall of a once great empire.  

(Robert B. Reich, Chancellor's Professor of Public Policy at the University of California and former U.S. Secretary of Labor, is the author of the newly released "Beyond Outrage: What has gone wrong with our economy and our democracy, and how to fix it," a Knopf e-book original.)

Raiders Review of First Half

The Oakland Raiders came into Arizona to play the Cardinals on three days rest after losing to the Cowboys Monday Night.  They look as if they've taken a step backwards from last season.  If the last six quarters of Raiders play is any indication of what to expect from the silver & black this season, I'd rather not watch.

First Half
Raiders 11
Cardinals 24

QB - Carson Palmer is off on his passes and has locked into one receiver, rookie Rod Streater. 
RB - Darren McFadden is the engine that runs the offense.  No DMC, No Go. Need More Reece.
OL - Without center Wiseniewski, offensive line is struggling to pick up blitzes and open running lanes. New blocking scheme suspect.
WR - Heyward-Bey ineffective, Jacoby Ford injured, Streater looks to be the veteran.
Coaching - Suspect (red zone play calling questionable)

Turnovers - 2 fumbles lost, 1 interception
Penalties - 2/17yds (they appear disciplined)

Defense - looked good for the most part. Sacks, a safety and short yardage stoppages.  One blown coverage in the red zone allowed a touchdown. 

Special Teams - giving up too many return yards, not getting enough yards on returns. Punt Blocked. Janokowski 3/3 on field goals.

I know it's still preseason, only the second of four games.  But Come'on Raiders, if you wanna begin to believe things have changed for the better, you have to start showing it on the field.

Its gotta get better. I know it will.

Maybe they're holding back. 

win, lose or tie!