SF Giants Brian Wilson & Cody Ross Get Silly With YouTube Star Keenan Cahill

San Francisco Giants...roar back! Rookie Brandon Belt to outfield? Posey struts right stuff!

 



One of the local sports writers rated the Giants half a baseball (out of a possible 4) for Monday Night’s performance on the field against the Dodgers who nabbed it with a 6-1 victory.

Critics of the Giants – and fans alike – lamented that the defense was troubling.

Allegedly, Manager Bruce Bochy took his anger out on inanimate objects in the dugout, that’s how pi**ed he was about the nasty turn-of-events.

Even Madison Bumgarner lost his cool in the fifth inning.

Was he cursing into his glove – or texting an unidentified baseball coach for advice - from parts unkown?

The big menace (bully?) came in the form of an on-the-ball pitcher – Clayton Kershaw – who was relentless.

The studly ballplayer intimidated his rivals with a mix of fast balls (whizzing by at 95 mph) and slow sneaky curves that never let up until he had struck out seven nervous batters in just about as many innings.

“He’s a tough guy out there,” one ballplayer admitted.

According to Pat Burrell - “the situation” - cried out for a better approach.

Fans were at-the-ready to lash out at the sloppy players on the field at AT & T ballpark the other evening.

Heck, that’s what they deserved, after all.

But, Bochy - especially in the instance of up-and-comer Brandon Belt (who disappointed with a lackluster performance) – revealed a soft spot for the wide-eyed tobacco-chewing rookie chomping-at-the-bat to do good.

“He’ll adjust. He’s got the ability to cover both sides of the plate. He has the talent to hit and get on base.”

At the end of the day, Bochy was philosophical.

“We just haven’t gotten into the flow yet, offensively or defensively.”

In view of last night’s miraculous comeback, maybe Bochy spoke too soon, eh?

Uh-huh!

The Giants roared back and kicked some deserving butt!

The mighty Champs rustled up enough offense to surge forward and nab a win against their Dodgier rivals out to best ‘em on their home turf.

Brian Wilson was credited for the victory in the darkest hour when it comes down to the nitty-gritty.

When excited fans streamed out of the stadium late in the evening, the air was a-buzz with speculation about Brandon Belt, for starters.

In an effort to improve defense, Bochy may relegate the rookie to the outfield, to relieve a struggling Aubrey Huff.

If it was a big deal, the Giants newcomer didn’t let on to the swarm of paparazzi and fans in the locker room.

“I played outfield most of my life. I’ll be out there and try to figure out the nooks and crannies next few days.”

An outfield coach is lending a hand to ensure the transition is smooth for the kid from nowhere who made a big impression first-week out.

Meanwhile, Bochy attempted damage control.

“We feel good about where we’re at.”

All that might change tonight at China Basin.

Who knows!

See ‘ya there, eh?

http://www.thetattler.biz



Fear the beard!

San Francisco Giants...Sports News Alert! Cardinals nab it! Sunday April 10th!



Word out of the AT & T ballpark a few moments ago is that the Cardinals nabbed it in their vigorous fight against the Giants on their home turf.

The World Champions were unable to complete their first 3-game sweep of the Cardinals since 2001.

The loss dulled the spirit of the frenzied fans in the crowded stands a tad - but they're a hearty lot - and capable of riding the rollercoast ride ahead.

Hold onto your baseball caps, kids, it's going to be a bumpy night or two ahead on the slippery slope to the 2nd World Championship!

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz



A bird in the hand worth two in the bush!

San Francisco Giants...series Victory on Saturday! Miguel Tejada dazzling hero!



Miguel Tejada was being hailed as the Giants’ hero of the day when his two-RBI double in the bottom of the ninth gave the win to the World Champions at AT & T ballpark yesterday evening.

The fans roared in the packed stands as the golden boys in ubiquitous black & orange gear jumped for joy over the first series victory of the season.

When the stardust settled on the green the score was 3-2 in favor of the Giants!

In sum, it was the crowning glory to a fabulous day down at China Basin, that totally wowed the packed house.

Earlier in the day, the players were trotted out onto the field to snap up their diamond-encrusted World Championship rings, while a posse of glassy-eyed sports reporters gazed on in awe.

Uh-huh!

The dazzling ceremony – rife with pomp and circumstance - even managed to cause a sniffle or two from the normally-jaded-few in attendance.

I reported on those frenzied festivities earlier this morning.

Post: 04/10/2011

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2011/04/san-francisco-giantsdiamond-encrusted.html

Meanwhile, the Giants are in-play right now - as I pen this post - on their home turf fighting for their second title once again.

Will the sizzling-hot winning streak continue in the picturesque city by the Bay tonight?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz



Romantic night-time ballpark setting!

San Francisco Giants...diamond encrusted World Championship bling! Tiffany sparkler dazzles ballplayers & fans!



Yesterday, I reported in a post at "forgus beylan" that the San Francisco Giants were about to trot onto the field at AT & T ballpark, to slip on their snazzy World Championship rings.

Post: 04/09/2011

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2011/04/san-francisco-giants12th-inning.html

Unfortunately, I was unable to describe the dazzling piece of bling in intricate detail because the design was under wraps until the celebrated unveil!

If you thought that the scoop on Kate Middleton's wedding dress was the best-kept secret of the season - well - you thought wrong!

Twenty thousand fans dashed down to the stadium (including one of the stars of the hit show "Glee") to stand in line for hours - in a frenzied bold-faced effort to scoop up their own replicas - which was being gifted to die-hard souvenir collectors who were promised first dibs!

And, what a prize that turned out to be, eh?

The beautifully-crafted keepsake was designed by Tiffany and inspired by the 1933 Giants World Series ring.

The eye-catching sparkler sports a SF logo set with round diamonds on a bezel of pure gold flanked by two round diamonds.

One shank has 2010 gracing a yellow-gold tower symbolic of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

The other has the recipient's name in a ribbon over the World Series Trophy.

Within the top of the trophy is one mandarin-orange spessartite which represents baseball's San Francisco Championship.

At the base of the trophy are five diamonds representing the five New York Championships.

What a memento!

The ceremony was quite a sight to behold, by the way.

Everyone present on the field - even the cameramen - sported spiffy tuxedos with orange bow ties!

And, the heroes of the day - the Giants ballplayers - were donned in jazzy gold-lettered hats and uniforms.

A motorcade of police on motorcycles and horses, trailed by vintage autos, added a touch of pomp and circumstance to the awesome festivities.

Manager, Bruce Bochy noted that he intends to wear his ring daily.

"I've been to the series a couple of times and didn't quite get it," Bochy fessed up.

"That's why this one means so much."

It's all about winning, just ask Hollywood "bad boy", Charlie Sheen!

"It's not going to be too blingy," Bochy blurted out, almost as an afterthought.

No?

Bochy must be a regular in Vegas where ostentatious displays of glitz are common.

If you're a gambling dude, by the way, you can take a shot at winning a copy of the original.


RING RAFFLE

A ring identical to the one issued to each of the players and all of the coaches was crafted by Tiffany and is to be raffled off in the near future.

INFO

sfgiants.com/ringraffle

Good luck winning it, eh?

http://www.thetattler.biz



Subliminal messages!

(what a release)

San Francisco Giants...12th inning rollercoaster ride! Sammy Hagar sings! Posey to get nod for "Rookie" of Year!

Buster Posey "Rookie of the Year"

The Manager for the Giants said it best.

"It was quite an emotional rollercoaster ride."

From the offset, the atmosphere at AT & T ballpark was electrically-charged, as fans descended on the stadium en masse sporting logo gear and at-the-ready to cheer on their heroes.

Uh-huh!

"Opening Day" in China basin rocked from the crack-of-dawn - ‘til late in the day - when the sun finally disappeared in a blaze of glory beyond the horizon.

At the dugout store fans snapped up novel souvenirs and logo gear to sport at upcoming games.

An eye-catching white jersey with “Giants” etched in gold was a “must-have” pullover jersey that was flying off the shelves at $250 a pop!.

Personally, my own eye was on one that featured Buster Posey etched in gold on a midnight black background.

Although the spirits were quite high from the get-go, the mood managed to distinctly elevate to an even greater fever pitch once management commenced with the well-orchestrated "Home Opener" celebrations which caused ecstatic fans to jump to their feet and roar their approval throughout.

For example, when Brian Wilson strode onto the field - and hoisted the flag - the packed house went wild.

Wilson fessed up later that he was nervous about the task at hand.

"I was afraid of the flag being upside down. I was really nervous about that part. But everything went well."

Uh-huh!

No one would kick the stud out of bed for eating crackers - or for sporting a cave-man-style beard  - at this juncture in his successful high-profile baseball career.

The lead singer for the local band - TRAIN - was also well-received when he warbled the National Anthem on the well-manicured green.

Jets darted across the sky moments later, fireworks erupted, then - whew! - it was time to play ball!

And, what a game it was!

Die hard fans - and sports enthusiasts in attendance - got their money’s worth (and then some)!

For example, late in the game - the Cardinals and the Giants were tied 4-4 - which forced a battle of the wits to the bitter end.

Right up until the bottom of the 12th, that is, until a player sporting a uniform in ubiquitous Black & Orange team colors finally turned-the-tables on the visiting team.

Yup!

Outfielder Aaron Rowand won it with a single off-the-wall in left center field.

Last year, if you recall, Rowand was the "opening day" center fielder. 

However, this year he was forced to sit on the bench until the 9th, when he was  finally given the nod to replace Aubrey Huff in left field.

In view of a couple of goofs earlier in the week, it was only a matter of time before Bochy would yank Huff from the outfield, unfortunately.

"Row's been swinging the bat well. I give him a lot of credit. It hasn't been easy with his playing time cut down at the start of the season. He's doing all he can to force the issue. I felt we had the right guy up," Bochy mused to reporters.

"He smoked it."

By the way, Bochy received a "Lifetime Achievement Award" from his peers night-before-last at a tony affair down on the Peninsula.

In sum, the "Home Opener" was quite a memorable - unforgettable - one that will go down in baseball history as one of the most hard-fought.

In fact, fans and players alike were treated to a match that spelled out what the dreaded meaning of the "T" word is all about.

TORTURE!

Nerve-wracking, for some.

"We'd like to do without torture baseball," Javier Lopez lamented after the long-drawn-out game finally came to a resounding close in favor of the Giants (5-4).

The media turned out in full force to capture every delicious highlight for their TV viewers at home.

“There were quite a few smiles ear to ear,” one reporter gushed into the camera.

“We’re going to do it again,” a female fan mugged for another newsie, when asked if she thought a World Championship was within the team's grasp this season.

The general consensus appeared to be that the Giants started and finished in great style.

Will there be more of the same today?

For starters, the celebratory spirit will continue; after all,  the Giants receive their World Championship rings at the ballpark today (Saturday April 9th).

By the way, the first 20,000 fans to trot into the stadium this afternoon are going to be gifted with a souvenir key ring, too!

Sammy Hagar – the Red Rocker (formerly with Van Halen's Band before a much-publicized falling-out with the lead singer) - is slated to belt out the National Anthem tonight.

In a TV interview, which was taped at a restaurant he owns and operates in Noe Valley, he joked about rehearsing for his big moment at AT & T ballpark.

“I don’t have an Opera-style voice,” he kidded.

For good reason, Hagar expects to belt out the anthem in his own inimitable style.

Fans are going to sit up and take notice, he cackled in so many words.

If not, aliens might end up hovering overhead  with a different reaction, ready to whisk him away into the heavens (never to be seen on this mortal coil again).

Read his book, if you can't fathom my drift, eh?

Buster Posey is also going to be given the nod at Sunday Night's game for being the much-touted "Rookie" of the Year.

See 'ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz



Sammy Hagar to belt out National Anthem!

San Francisco Giants...roar of fans deafens! Jets fly-by! Fireworks erupt! Brian Wilson cheered!

Fans roar approval when Beard puts in appearance!





With a twang in his voice, and after a wild roar from the fans in the stands, the leader singer of “Train” belted out the last few bars of the National Anthem just seconds before two jets flew overhead – fireworks erupted in the pristine blue sky – and the festivities started up with a celebratory ring at AT & T Park.

Earlier in the day, locals who elected to hop on MUNI for a trek across town, found themselves packed into the trains like sardines alongside excited Giants’ fans decked out in the ubiquitous Orange & Black team colors– and, of course – sporting specially- crafted gear with eye-catching logos featuring the names of their baseball heroes!

Outside the stadium the sound of the applause was deafening!

Because of a recent attack on a Giants fan at a Dodger’s game in Los Angeles, security was beefed up today, but the city’s finest managed to remain low-key in the shadows without any intimidation factors spoiling the mood.

Kudos!

Meanwhile, on every occasion there was an opportunity to do so, die-hard Giants’ aficionados ecstatically hollered out their approval as they munched on mighty tasty over-priced hot dogs - and quenched their thirst with ice-cold beer - packed along for the much-ballyhooed match against the St. Louis Cardinals.

When the team banner - etched with the words “World Champions” on its face was unveiled in the opening ceremonies – everyone in attendance just about lost it!

Then, it was time to play ball!

In the “Public House” – a bar on the street level - sports enthusiasts without tickets were tossing back  brewskies, hungrily downing chips and dip, and keeping a keen watchful eye on all the plays with great intensity.

At one point, when I took a swig of beer, a patron knocked my arm - at which point - a few dollops of the frothy ale spilled to the floor.

A pretty brunette turned, broke into a smile, and proceeded to snatch up a few napkins to wipe away the slippery mess.

Security guards in chic black tailored suits tend to hover in the shadows- but glide swiftly and discreetly to trouble spots -when they need to. 

Very classy!

Uh-huh!

The mood was definitely upbeat in the trendy watering hole - and fans were terribly forgiving of any unpleasantries they were forced to endure - because of overcrowding.

Other locals, unable to gate-crash, gathered at the side of the stadium to catch every delicious moment through the cracks in a gate on the pier that hugs McCovey Cove.

Folks have got the Giants fever bad, alright.

Well, it’s time to down my Pacifico Clara (Mexican beer) and head back to town to finish up some chores.

Updates on the "Home Opener" later!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Fan in McCovey Cove scores big-time!

San Francisco Giants...fan frenzy hits fever pitch! Packed stands at "Home Opener"! TRAIN to warble National Anthem!

 

Bright and early this morning, the front office trotted out the World Cup at AT & T ballpark to remind baseball fans – and a posse of excited reporters – just who the World Champions are (in the event it slipped their minds!), workers scrambled last-minute to trim the grass on the field before the teaming masses descend from all corners of the Bay area to participate in America’s favorite past time, and a slew of baseball enthusiasts are calling in to work crying-the-blues about being “sick” so they can hot-foot it down to the waterfront to catch the much-anticipated match between the Giants and the Cardinals this afternoon.

No doubt, the lead singer for TRAIN is also taking a second glance at the "tricky" lyrics for the Nation Anthem, too - so that when the band belts out their rendition of the sentimental tune this afternoon - there are no Christina Aguilera-style slip-ups that prove to be a humiliating embarrassment for the popular San Francisco-based band to endure.

And, a headline on the cover of the San Francisco Examiner reads:

KISS THE RING!

Uh-huh!

Giants’ fever is sweeping across the city with renewed frenzy.

For good reason!

On the heels of a big victory in San Diego yesterday – where the Giants scored big with a win against the Padres (8-4) - fans are optimistic that their celebrated home team will nab it today.

Expect some surprises, too.

A banner – yet to be revealed – will be hoisted at the beginning of the game with a message that the Management promises is sure to cause quite a sensation with the fans and sports enthusiasts alike.

At press time, it was announced a handful of seats – standing-room-only – are still available for $99.00 a pop.

The gates are open to ticket-holders at 10:30 a.m. (by the way)!

Meanwhile, some die-hard fans have tossed together “splash crafts” to paddle about on in the Cove next to AT & T park where they’re expected to catch a picturesque bird’s eye view of the game.

If the Giants win?

Well, there will be a hot-time in the old town tonight, alright!

See ‘ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz





 

 

San Francisco band warbles National Anthem!

San Francisco Giants...roar back! Lincecum dazzles! Posey homers! Belt ends jinx!

 

This one is for YOU!



The San Francisco Giants roared back into the winner's circle yesterday afternoon after Tim Lincecum struck out 13 ballplayers, Posey scored big with a two-run homer (and a two-run single), and Huff managed a pair of scoring doubles and a jazzy RBI single.

By the time the dust settled, the World Champions were right back in-the-saddle again, boasting an 8-4 win against their fierce rivals, the San Diego Padres.

Brian Wilson basked in the glow briefly when he was trotted out off the disabled list to pitch a non-save situation in the last inning (9th) which resulted in three runs on two infield singles (and a walk).

Bochy (the Club Manager) yanked the "beard" after just 23 pitches to ensure he didn't suffer a relapse until such time as his injury has fully healed.

Fans would have loved to have been a fly on the wall in the jet homeward bound now that the Giants are in a more upbeat frame of mind (according to Tim Lincecum).

Was the champagne flowing on board?

"Obviously, I think it's going to be a lot more fun for everybody just going back on the plane, with everybody having a better mentality. That's been the key to our success, really, having fun, realizing it's just a game and isn't life and death.

Tell that to the fans, Timmy!

If anything, the victory yesterday eased the tensions, not their attitude or mind-set!

Needles to say, the freak pitched well.

And, fortunately, Posey was more at ease with himself  - which undoubtedly affected his performance on the field - to the relief of his fellow team mates!

After a down spell, even Brandon Belt (last week's rookie hero) managed to pull up his once-drooping baseball socks, and deliver up a winning streak after a dry run at the bat (at unlucky 13, he broke the jinx).

Two singles for the kid wasn't so bad, eh?

There weren't any tears of joy, however, this time around.

The spirits were so high on the field that a Miguel Tejada error was shrugged off

Uh-huh!

High-fives were the order of the day.

No singing-the-blues last night!

Tomorrow, the Giants gear up for a "Home Opener" against the Cardinals to kick off at 1:35 p.m. in the afternoon.

TV
Comcast SportsNet Bay Area

RADIO
KNBR (680

See 'ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz



Killer pitcher!

(high on life)

San Francisco Giants...in the dumper! San Diego Padres winners! Lincecum pitches!

Bumgarner pulled after 3 innings!





In spite of some slipping-and-sliding, and a dismal turn-out for the Giants to date in Los Angeles and farther down south in San Diego, Bruce Bochy was adamant about his position in the matter.

“We’re going to stay with our best club, whether it’s pitching or offensively,” he stated matter-of-fact day-before-yesterday, as anxious reporters jockeyed for “quotable quotes” on the heels of another humiliating loss.

In spite of that promise, Bochy was inclined to send Bumgarner packing yesterday, after the pitcher failed to deliver on the mound in a fierce match against the Padres.

Heh, when you’re on the top of the heap (World Champions), the competition goes gunning for ‘ya, go figure!

But, in some respects, Bumgarner’s lackluster performance was unforgivable.

At one point, for instance, the seasoned ballplayer actually turned this way ‘n that - at a loss about what to do to with the ball (try throwing it, kid!) - as fans gazed on stunned.

If it’s any consolation to San Franciscans, the “freak” is slated to hit the field in today's game.

Can the Giants spring back – after a dismal showing in the first few games of the season - with Lincecum at the helm?

It’s doubtful that 9 ballplayers (No. 9! No. 9! No.9! must be ringing in Bumgarner’s ears right about now) will make it to bat in one lone inning if the "Golden Boy" has any say in the matter.

As for today, well - sports writers were whining that the Giants failed in their bid for a win - because they had a tough time getting a “hit”.

“Timing (which was off) is everything, after all,” quipped one astute observer.

The Giants had opportunities, alright.

“But, they blew it!”

One sports pundit waxed philosophical, made off-beat flimsy excuses, in fact.

“The Giants tend to have problems in April,” he muttered in their defense, to all within earshot.

“And, they’re playing in Southern California against two teams who want that title so bad they can taste it,” was the consensus of another.

Talk about rivals!

To paraphrase an old truism:

“Uneasy are the bats and mitts of ballplayers who hold the coveted World Title.”

Maybe the tables will finally turn when the “closer” – Brian Wilson - triumphantly returns and instills some fear into the competition.


Meanwhile, I am predicting that Posey will finally bust out, and that rookie Brandon Belt may end up most valuable player, at the end of the season.

Stay posted (and loyal) in spite of my own tendency to slip-up in recent days!

Like the San Francisco Giants, I’m a Champion in some respects, but - only human - in the final analysis!

Amen!

http://www.thetattler.biz



The "Freak" gives it a shot today!

San Francisco Giants...TRAIN to perform National Anthem! Friday's "Season Opener"!



On Friday, April 8th, a party atmosphere is expected to wildly erupt at AT & T ballpark when “Train” takes the stage to belt out their rendition of the National Anthem at the season opener in the picturesque city by the bay (their home town, by the way).

In addition, the band will perform their single:

"Save me, San Francisco"

Some tongues wag that the little ditty is the San Francisco Giants "unofficial" song.

Meanwhile, as the Giants psyche up for their first series game against the San Diego Padres down south this afternoon, word from officials at the arena is promising.

All the available seats – 44,000 in number – were snapped up weeks ago.

Needless to say, baseball “mania” is revving up and running rampant.

Without doubt, the sport is very much alive and living up to its reputation as America’s favorite pastime!

See ‘ya there.

http://www.thetattler.biz/

A hot time in the old town Friday Night!

San Francisco Giants...Huff a Keystone Cop! Zito springs back! Dodgers nab 4th game in series!

 

Fave pitcher!



When Aubrey Huff trotted this way 'n that on the field at Dodger Stadium yesterday afternoon - looking more like a "Keystone Cop" that a pro ballplayer - the thoughts running through his mind were crystal clear to baseball enthusiasts excitedly tracing his every movement from the stands.

"The ball has to be up there somewhere," he must have been musing to himself as stunned fans gazed on in shock.

Then, once the easy-going athlete spied the little sucker - too late, it whizzed by the "green" outfielder - a country-mile out-of-reach.

Drats!

The sloppy slip-ups inspired pranksters to etch out a silhouette of Aubrey's corpse on the field to mark the death of a once-promising sports career.

Ouch!

Actually, critics weren't that harsh under the circumstances, in the final analysis.

No wonder!

Huff is not a right fielder and was just filling in (they got that right!) 'til Cody Ross is ready to fill those baseball shoes.

In spite of the fact a cushion of tummy fat appeared to break the fall, Huff confided that two of the ballsy dives left him in pain.

And, he was not inclined to allow scoffers to shove him around, either.

"I'm going to make routine plays. Those plays aren't easy. You guys act like they were routine plays. I tried my best to catch them."

As, Joe Pesci would quip:

"Alright! Alright! Alright!"

But, there were highlights, don't get me wrong.

In fact, after a three point lead by the Dodgers, it looked like the Giants were going to roar ahead of the home team and nab the 4th game in the series.

Unfortunately, it didn't pan out that way, but there were no glaring errors to blame.

Zito surprised fans and newsies alike with a pretty dynamic round of pitching at the mound - in spite of being banged up in a nasty fender-bender a scant few days ago - go figure!

"Considering the severity of the deal, I felt pretty good. I had good stuff, so I'm definitely encouraged," he chirped cheerfully to all within earshot.

Meanwhile, the spanking-new bushy moustache caused one news anchor to mutter.

"Zito's going for that State Trooper look."

Maybe the naysayers will give the kid a break, eh?

By the way, Pablo Sandoval hit his first homer, too.

In the end, the game left a bad taste in the mouth of the Giants, as they climbed on the bus to head for San Diego where they'll play the Padres (3:35 p.m approximate) on Tuesday.

Manager Bruce Bochy summed it up best.

"It's not the way we want to start. The first couple of games we hurt ourselves and easily could have come away with a couple more wins if we played better ball," he shook his head sadly.

"I knew this wasn't going to be an easy part of the schedule. Hopefully, we'll get back on track."

Sounds like the fans have to get out to AT & T ballpark next home again to boost the team's morale a tad.

Go! Giants! Go!

See 'ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz/





"The Only thing weird about Wilson is his beard!"

(comment on Giants post @ forgus beylan)

San Francisco Giants...a shut-out on Dodger turf! Barry Zito must go! Monkey off Cain's back!



After a disastrous two-game loss to the Dodgers on their home turf this past week, the Giants juggled their roster - added a bit of spit and polish to their style - and managed to pulled themselves up by their bootstraps and roar to a stunning victory at Caesar Ravine yesterday afternoon in Los Angeles.

Fans sure got their money's worth!

When the dust settled, it was evident that the Giants still have the spunk - and the God-given stellar talent (instinct, too) - which is the kind of prerequisite needed to scoop up another World Championship title down the long-and-winding road ahead.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers are licking their wounds today, wondering the obvious.

What happened?

Did a mini two-game winning streak instill in 'em a false sense of security (and hope)  - or - did the Giants just play a better ballgame?

As the plays unfolded on the field, it became crystal clear the rag-tag team from the Bay area is a force (fear the beard, dudes!) to still reckon with.

In retrospect?

Tim Lincecum got it right  -when he confidently noted in the humiliating wake of the 1st loss earlier in the week - that it was just "one game".

When the 2nd defeat was about to prove otherwise, heck, the Giants snapped out of the deep funk yesterday with a remarkable come back.

Something tells me the it's going to be tooth-and-nail all-the-way.

Don't know if I am up for the roller-coaster-ride, are you?

Not without a good shot of optimism (and whiskey in my gut) at least.

And, who were the heroes of the day?

The big spotlight fell on Matt Cain, Aubrey Huff, and Freddy Sanchez.

After a long drought, Cain was back in the saddle, stealing thunder from the cocky Dodgers.

"It was definitely nice to get the monkey off my back," he beamed to reporters.

Uh-huh!

"He's back!"

The right-handed pitcher scattered five hits over six innings, struck out three, and didn't allow any self-respecting opponent to even walk.

Aubrey Huff revved up the fans when he drove in three runs (to match 3 of the same by Sanchez).

Manager Bruce Bochy - in the dumper day-before-yesterday, understandably - was upbeat in the wake of Cain's stand-up-and-take notice performance on Dodger turf.

"Matt Cain was outstanding. You could tell he wasn't hesitant on any pitch."

Miguel Tejada contributed two RBIs, which may cause some critics to reconsider an assessment they made a couple of days ago (they lamented he was over-the-hill), when the Giants were slipping-and-sliding in ka-ka.

Tejada was ecstatic over the end scenario.

"We just need somebody to start and then everybody follow. We're all happy today."

So, who is that leader of the pack, if it isn't Tim Lincecum?

McCain?  Wilson?

By the way, to add fuel to scuttlebutt I penned in a prior post, a sports reporter at the locally-based San Francisco Examiner has suggested that it may be time to cut the fat.

With that in mind, and for the overall good of the team, Tim Liotta harped in this morning's edition that it may be time for Barry Zito to go!

Today, that may be evident, if the player with the "fragile psyche" starts ups this afternoon and doesn't deliver.

OMG!

Are his days numbered?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Outstanding pitching a turn-around for Cain!

San Francisco Giants...Tim Lincecum traded? Belt homer dazzles! Losing streak persists!

Last night a local news outlet reported that Tim Lincecum was being traded to the Dodgers!

In response, shocked fans sat on the edge of their seats, as they waited to catch the scoop after the commercial break.

Although the "exclusive" report was being broadcast late in the day, it turned out to be an April Fool's Day joke just the same.

Gotcha!

Some joked - after catching their breath - that after yesterday's sloppy defense (and the victory in favor of the Dodgers on their own turf) that the "freak" was ripe (and ready) to jump ship!

Yup!

The Giants' losing streak hasn't run out of steam yet, as a loss of morale - in the locker room and in the front office - appears to be threatening to wreck havoc in the psyche of the ballplayers (and ultimately) spoil a short at the World Championship.

Most of the fans and sports writers are in agreement.

The party is over for the Giants!

The table was set in one inning yesterday, for instance, but - the once-charismatic boy wonders - were unable to make a meal of it.

Why?

The Giants couldn't get any hits!

Well, with one notable exception, of course.

In one brief shining moment, the spanking-new kid on the block belted a fast ball which sailed over the fence.

That dazzling hit was worth calling home about.

Needless to say, the hitter - Brandon Belt - had his doubts at first.

"It felt like a wall-scraper from where I was," he mused.

When the ball soared above and beyond and guaranteed a homer, Belt confided that there was a surreal aspect to the whole experience which resonated in every fibre of his being on the field.

"It was an unreal feeling, like when you're a kid, and you hit your first home run of your entire life."

Just betcha, there are a few more big hits down the road like that, once Belt's potential is fully realized.

"He's an athlete. But, he's also big and strong," one sports writer excitedly gushed to his side-kick on one sports show.

"That's what it's all about. His mechanics are great, too!"

Curiously, one TV poll conducted last night, voted Tim Lincecum the No. 1 player fans were anxious to catch in action on the field this season.

I expect that in lieu of Belt's dazzling performance last night, he may zoom ahead of the "freak" in that regard soon.

"Great eye and discipline, and he hasn't been rattled by any of the pitchers he's faced so far," raved hitting coach Hensley Meulens.

In spite of the momentary break in the storm clouds hovering over the Giants of late - during the sixth inning - two glaring goofs caused one local San Francisco journalist to refer to the Giants as the "Bad News Bears".

Ouch!

Meanwhile, from all quarters, every delicious - and foul-tasting play (the nasty slip-ups especially) was thoroughly examined with a fine tooth comb.

The laments went something like this.

"Should have."

"Could have."

But, in the final analysis?

"Didn't!"

With a big "D" for defeat!

And, they weren't too kind to Buster, either.

"Posey was having an off night suffering a case of opening season jitters," they sniped sarcastically.

But, one pundit was downright stinging in his critique of Sanchez's performance.

"The good, the bad, and the ugly!"

On the sidelines, even Manager Bruce Bochy - when cornered by a posse of reporters - was a shadow of himself.

A beaten man?

The awkward silences during the course of a press interviews spoke volumes in my estimation.

When a quote was extracted, it turned out to be a downer, go figure!

"We're shooting ourselves in the foot. It's a tough way to lose close ballgames," he summed up wearily.

One seasoned pro noted that if the Giants were going to rely on sharp pitching, they better catch the ball.

Tighten up the gloves, fellas.

And, pull together as a team, pronto!

5 errors in two games at the beginning of the season doesn't bode well for the chumps - um - champs!

See 'ya at the ballpark, eh?

http://www.thetattler.biz

Dodger Stadium

San Francisco Giants...Nightclubs "Play Ball" on strip! Promo pushes Black & Orange & Gear Logo!



In a move to drum up business during the upcoming baseball season (Home Opener April 8th) a handful of late-night hot (as in curvaceous and sexy) spots are offering up discounts for patrons who turn up at the door in Black & Orange (Giants team colors) and/or logo gear.

Go! Giants! Go!

Obviously, the owners are hopping on the bandwagon in the wake of the Giants fever that erupted the last championship season, which resulted in packed pubs around the city.

Clubs like - Roaring 20's, Broadway Showgirls, Larry Flint's Hustler Club, and the HungryI (to name a few) - are launching the ballsy in-your-face promo in a bold-faced effort to steal some of the thunder (and cash) out of the greasy hands of pub owners who scrambled to serve houses packed with thirsty baseball enthusiasts (and made a killing in the process).

Do 'ya suppose the strippers will be teasing Giants fans in skimpy "G" strings highlighted with Orange & Black frilly flourishes in all the erotic places?

Dudes, don't forget your rubbers - er - sneakers, eh?

http://www.thetattler.biz



Baseball caps a favorite!

San Franciso Giants...win Tuesday! Final Exhibition game today!

Brandon Belt hits pay dirt?



Thanks to an RBI double by Pablo Sandoval in the 2nd inning and a solo home run by Nate Shierholtz in the eighth, the San Francisco Giants walked away "winners" last night in their match against the Oakland A's with a 4-1 victory.

No doubt, Gio Gonzalez was the scorn of fans, today, though; after all, the A's ballplayer allowed the unthinkable - two runs and 3 hits - in 6 1/2  sloppy innings.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention - that in spite of walking three Giants - Gonzalez managed to strike out four quality Giants during the course of the game.

Meanwhile, as I pen this post, players and fans alike are gearing up for a final exhibition game between the Giants and the Oakland A's at San Francisco's AT & T park this afternoon at 12:45 p.m.

Go! Giants!

By the way, the scuttlebutt continues as to whether Brandon Belt will nab a spot on the Opening Day roster (at press time, anyway).

"Conventional wisdom says he's not ready, but he's held his own against tough pitching and plays a real good first base. There would be no spot duty about it, aside from especially tough lefties, he would be the regular first baseman and would hit seventh, which would make it easier on him," general manager Brian Sabean stated matter-of-fact.

If you read between the lines, it's a go, me-thinks!

The Giants have until 8 a.m. Thursday morning to announce their exciting 25-man line-up.

News at 11!

See 'ya at the ballpark, eh?

http://www.thetattler.biz

Great American past-time revs up in San Francisco!



San Francisco Giants...frenzied fans! Standing ovations! Big gambles on rookie players!



Looks like the San Francisco Giants are revving up the locals to a fever pitch right out-of-the starting gate!

For instance, when Matt McCain and Buster Posey strode into the Bull pit to warm-up last night, a roar went up from the teaming masses (who hung on their seats awaiting every precise play) as the much-anticipated match against the Oakland A's commenced without delay.

The mere mention of their coveted status as the - "World Championship Giants" - caused a wild raucous response in the stands!

Uh-huh!

And, as the ball players dashed out onto the field, the decibal level was so high at one point, that coaches and umpires were unable hear themselves think (let alone chat each other up on the field).

Ticket holders were not content to just lounge back and snack on tasty munchies on the sidelines, either.

No Sir!

San Franciscans took every golden opportunity to jump to their feet - punch the air with their fists in excitement - and cheer their heroes on.

Even die-hard fans wonder, though, if it is realistically possible for the Giants to best themselves this season, in view of their spectacular performance in their Championship Season a few short months ago!

The players are hip to their draw, too, and inclined to whip the fans into a frenzy whenever possible.

For example, at one juncture - sport's keen enthusiasts went beserk - when Lou Seal (obviously begging for applause) danced around the infield with the dazzling championship belt in hand.

Signs of things to come?

By the end of the evening, the crowd was rewarded - too - with a Giants 4-3 victory over the A's in the first of a three-game exhibition series that promises to be vastly competitive (and exciting to take in).

I'm betting they snap up all three games with as they leave the celebrated A's in the dust!

"Winners," to paraphrase Charlie Sheen!

By the way, inside sources are speculating that Brandon Belt will be taking on the heady role of first baseman on "Opening Day".

What say U?

See 'ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Souvenirs already flying off the shelves!

Brian Wilson...Giants pitcher eccentric! News Anchors take jabs at sports weirdo!



News anchors have been shaking their heads over the antics of Giants pitcher Brian Wilson in recent days.

For starters, they've been raising eyebrows over the athlete's alleged "friendship" with Hollywood bad-boy, Charlie Sheen.

Management in the front office for the Giants just shrug when quizzed on the subject of the two strange "bedfellows".

"Brian Wilson is not your normal ball-player," one coach uttered up on the field during warm-ups, almost under their breath.

Then, there is the issue of the high-profile ball-player's Official Web Site.

A posse of frenzied media types find the fan site a tad odd!

For instance, Wilson has invited guests to post publicity stills featuring their beloved beards!

In addition, the Wilson ego-builder is rife with a lot of other curious goings-on, in-between the rich multi-media web pages.

But, I guess the old saying applies when a major league pro ball player figures into the scheme of things, eh?

For example - if a regular Joe is poor and acts strange - he's labelled a "crazy".

In contrast, reporters politely refer to Wilson (a star stud) as "eccentric".
Talk about being diplomatic (or side-stepping the issue).

I say, call a spade a spade!

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz/



Pal bad-boy Charlie!

Charlie Sheen...Giant's pitcher Brian Wilson invited to par-tay hearty! Major League stink!

Don't play with me

(cause 'ya play with fire)



Hollywood's bad-boy, Charlie Sheen, fueled up his private jet (in spite of the soaring gas prices at the pumps in recent days) so that his pilot could whisk baseball Giant-great - Brian Wilson (the wild bearded one) - to par-tay at his tony Hollywood Hills estate over the weekend.

A posse of other "Diamond" athletes were on the prestigious guest list, too.

When probed by one reporter about the strange bedfellows, a manager for the Giants just shrugged.

"Johnson is not the norm, when it comes to baseball players," he uttered up in so many words!

Indeed, the talented pitcher obviously dances to the tune of a different drummer.

Critics on the frenzied media circuit snickered over the broadcast airwaves over the weekend - that instead of being seduced by glamorous sexy hookers and treated to mounds of nose candy - that a screening of a flick (no, not a porno, just "Major League") was the party favor offered up.

Fans of Sheen (are there any out there?) may recall that the troubled drug-addled actor starred in a couple of the off-the-wall comedies.

Uh-huh!

I speculate that conniving Charlie was out-to-bend a few arms of the athletes in tow, with the specific aim of landing a couple of the studs for cameo roles cameo roles in the 4th installment due to lens in the near future.

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz



Big-time operator, Sheen!

San Francisco Giants...Champions! Torture ends for fans! Start Believin'...

Giants torture ends!

A "strike" said it all!

Game over.

The trick became a treat as Giants shut out the Texas Rangers for a 2nd time in 2 days in what has now become known as "fright night" for the Texas ballplayers.

On to Game 5!

On Monday night, fans nearly knocked me off my perch in a quaint pub off Castro Street, when lightning struck - with big closer Brian Wilson - at the helm.

Patrons literally jumped for joy!

High-fives, raucous back slaps, and a slew of brewskies downed with exotically-named shots, became the order of the day!

On Sunday, what was the general consensus?

It wasn't a case of if - but rather - when!

Would the Giants cinch the pennant in Arlington or in a sixth or seventh game on home turf in San Francisco?

Although a win at AT& T ballpark was preferable - from a par-tay mode point-of-view - most were in ecstatic accord.

"Let's get it done."

A handful of sports enthusiasts remained wishy-washy - waxed philosophically - at times.

But, Tim Linescum was straight-forward in his approach and made no bones about it, when he was ambushed in the parking lot on the trek to the stadium.

"We're here to nail it," he barked with an air of authority.

Uh-huh!

Tensions had been mounting for days.

"Torture," is the way many fans described the gut-wrenching prevailing mood leading up to the mighty 5th.

Others were ready for the task at hand.

"Bring it on."

Two Nuns - Texas Ranger ticket-holding fans since 1972 - had one practical word of advice for the locals.

"Pray!"

The hour had come!

And, there wasn't any two ways about it.

If the Giants nabbed the trophy that evening, a big blow-out would bust out on the West Coast - and take center stage - at AT & T park (and elsewhere, natch).

A raucous posse of fans were camped out at Britannia's Pub in San Jose, for instance, pining for the nail-biting cliffhanger to end their way.

Meanwhile, on the heels of the spectacular shut-outs over the weekend, Mayor Newsom quickly scrambled on the sidelines to ensure that a humongous wide screen was erected downtown (in the reflected light of the glowing "orange" dome atop City Hall) in time to broadcast Monday Night's high-profile match at the Civic Center for locals and tourists alike to take in.

By noon, the plaza was awash in orange and black, as sports fanatics streamed in to snatch up a coveted spot to catch the fifth game on the World Series roster.

At Willie Mays Plaza, on the other hand, fans were surging forward in unruly queues, in a bold-faced effort to snap up memorabilia to don for the big event just hours away.

T-shirts (etched with slogans like "I see Orange People", "Got Panda", "Fear the Beard"), ubiquitous jaunty ball caps, and nifty miniature-size towels flew off the shelves at break-neck speed (at premium prices, I might add).

Above the madding crowds, posters and fliers transmitted encouraging slogans that resonated, and boosted the morale of San Franciscans everywhere near and far.

"Go! Giants! Go!"

Game 5 roared along at a fast clip, so much so, that it was difficult to keep up with my notes!

Even still, by the 4th inning, I was embarrassed to have to relay the score to inquisitive strangers, who trotted up quizzing me for updates.

Zilch to Zilch!

No wonder.

Tim Linescum's fastballs were being clocked at 93 mph.

Anxious (fearful?) Texans couldn't see the ball whizzing by, let alone get a crack at it (for the most part).

Because of it, Linescum rose to Super-star status in the eyes of the fans, early on in the battle for supremacy on the field.

You betcha!

The athlete of-the-hour (a two-time Cy Young Award Winner) picked off the players one-by-one - in what must have been a surreal baseball scenario for the batters - unfortunate to have to stand up to his fastball wrath.

Linescum's pitching was perfect, precise.

Understandably, I won't dwell on his "bad-hair" day!

He had a lot more on his mind than grooming, folks.

When Madison Bumgarner stepped up to the pitcher's mound, the fans were still in awe over Sunday Night's dazzling stellar performance in a shut-out game, that goes down in the annals of Sports History for a myriad of reasons.

The 21 year old pitcher was the 4th youngest player in that heady position to play the World Series.

"Madison looks like a big kid, but he's mature for his age," noted a supportive team mate.

On the mound, he was all business, as he stared the batters down.

"Mental warfare," one fan next to me chortled, when I pointed out the intensity of it all, which must have been off-putting to less-seasoned players a little wet behind-the-ears.

The game proved to be a night of balls (off the wall, flubbed miserably, over-the-wall spinningly), sacrifices (Aubrey Huff went down for the 1st time in his ball career for the sake of the team), and strike-outs (plenty of 'em pitched stingingly by 26 year old Tim Lincescum in his best game ever in the glare of the spotlight).

There were a few embarrassing moments, too.

Mitch Moreland, for instance, dropped a ball on 1st base in the 5th inning which raised a few eyebrows.

Huh?

A couple of strike-outs didn't fair well with critics either, who - until the weekend - were singling the kid out for super-star status on the diamond horizon.

Throughout the game, Giants fans kept the team spirit alive - and thumping - from the bleachers even though they weren't on home green.

In tandem with a melodious organ - which spewed out a few whimsical musical notes in advance - the revellers sang out in chorus:

"Let's go, Giants!"

In contrast to the Texas Ranger fans (a rather tame lot who often preferred clenching their hands with pals to punching the air with pointed gestures) the Giants' backers hooted and hollered the entire match throughout the electrically-charged starry-eyed night.

Did they beat the Ranger's fans into submission, perhaps?

In town - at pubs and cafes - sports enthusiasts packed cozy environs hell-bent on catching every sizzling move unfolding before them on state-of-the-art high-tech screens.

They were hopeful.

The last time the Giants won was way back in 1954.

The image of Willie Mays waving from an open convertible in a ticker-tape parade is still a memorable one.

When Brian Wilson struck out a Texas Ranger in the 9th - to cinch the pennant - the fans went wild, jumped for joy, and hugged everyone (and thing) in sight.

Shortly after Linescum darted onto the field to congratulate his fellow ballplayers, he was hoisted up on a dozen or so broad shoulders, and touted as one of the big heroes of the day.

But, the cameras zoomed in on Edgar Renteria shortly after that.

Being named MVP (Most Valuable Player) was an ironic end scenario for the humbled player.

When Renteria was signed months ago for $18 million, critics lamented it was allegedly a waste of money, because the ball player was a "washed-up short-stop" without any future worth.

The seasoned Pro hung in there, though, and eventually the twisted finger of fate pointed his way.

With two outs in the 7th inning - and Cody Ross and Juan Uribe on base - Renteria knocked a 2-0 cut fastfall from Cliff Lee over the wall in left-center field for a three-run homer that helped secure the outcome.

"I knew something was going to come up," he fessed up to one reporter later.

Sports professionals summed up sizzling Game 5 this way:

"The best pitchers beat the best batters."

In fact, Linescum's performance was being hailed as "Masterful".

Tim became the 15th Pitcher in history to win four games in one postseason.

It came as no surprise to Buster Posey who took notice of his demeanour early on in the night.

"It's called being a gamer...the guy was loose as can be, joking around, same old Timmy...he had no idea he had the opportunity to go out and win Game 5 of the World Series and win us a championship."

One reporter asked the Ram Power Player if he ever dreamed of being a "funky pitcher" in the World Series when he was lad.

"No. I wanted to be a batter," 'Tim confessed shyly.

Across the field, there were glum faces all 'round in the Texans Ranger locker room.

In spite of the humiliating outcome - the club Manager and his staff - were able to muster up a truism.

"It's not the best team that wins. It's the team that plays best."

The powers-that-be at the Texas ball club congratulated the Giants for a game well-played, hard-fought, and earned from the get-go.

Can 'ya fathom that?

Early on in the season, the Giants were often teased for exuding an aura of being a gang of cast-offs and misfits.

Freddie Sanchez laughed at the notion that he might be the President of such a team.

"Timmy made the night. He filled in the gap," he asserted with a grin on his face.

General Manager Bruce Bochy noted low-key - and with a glint in his eye - that it was the versatility of the team as a whole that egged him on.

According to the seasoned handler, it was fun to shuffle around the talent.

The GM is the only one in San Francisco to sport a World Series ring, which prompted a reporter to ask if he would run for political office one day.

Shucks, no!

Bochy pooh-poohed the notion.

Just doing his job.

And well, I might add.

In the aftermath of the stunning cinch, thousands swarmed the streets drunk with euphoria, and at-the-ready to par-tay hearty.

Muni cable cars were adorned with toilet paper, fans danced with wild abandon in the streets, and die-hard sports-lovers continued to hoop and holler 'til the cows  - er - the Giants came home.

Yup!

At 4 o'clock in the morning, at the crack of dawn, the team was greeted with cheers and contrats!

Indeed, there was enough of a rumble in the streets to trigger the next big one!

Dennis Wilson thanked the fans.

"They waved towels, wore beards, and hair," he chuckled.

"World Championship hair," he added in an afterthought.

Tim Lincecum noted it had been fun.

"We were a crazy crew. The city's (support) made it easy. Wearing my hair and panda heads," he laughed appreciatively.

The old axiom proved to be true.

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going."

"It took a lot of pitches to get here. Mechanics were important. Going thru ruts in August," he admitted off-the-cuff with a little musing.

When asked about the switcheroo's during the season, he was quick on the uptake.

"We made adjustments when necessary."

On Wednesday, there will be a ticker-tape parade in downtown San Francisco, because of the had-won battles on the field over the past stretch in the World Series play-offs.

Mayor Gavin Newsom is slated to hand off the keys of the city to the San Francisco Giants, too.

Buster Posy thought the whole outcome was "cool".

The kid was down-to-earth - and classy - to the end.

As Tim drove off into the dark night early this morning in a silver Mercedes Benz with bow tie correctly knotted in place, it was evident we hadn't heard (or seen) the last of him (or the Giants).

In fact, today's paper is boasting a full page ad, for next year's season tickets.

Snatch 'em up.

They'll be goners, soon, if last night's phenomenal parade of pride is any indication.

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