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...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...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...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...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...Brandon Belt emotional over nod! Rag-tag wonders play Dodgers today!



Who said that grown men don't cry?

When management in the front office informed Brandon Belt that he was given the nod for a coveted spot on the twenty-five-man Giants roster for the upcoming baseball season, he did just that.

But, his were tears of joy!

"This has been a dream all my life. It's the best thing that ever happened to me," he tearfully confided to a posse of probing reporters who swarmed around the rookie yesterday afternoon to gobble up the scoop first-hand.

"Except for my marriage," he gushed in almost an after-thought, as his face turned beet red.

The kid is going to have to get used to the attention, I guess!

The news came as no surprise to me or my readers at forgus beylan. 

Yesterday, I pointed out that it was probably a "go" for the 1st Baseman amidst a lot of wild speculation (pro and con) that ran rampant in sports circles this past week.

Post:  03/30/2011

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2011/03/san-franciso-giantswin-tuesday-final.html

The move was a bit iffy for obvious reasons.

But, Bent's performance this last season in the minor leagues, grabbed the attention of the scouts, nonetheless.

During spring training, the shy ballplayer (who team mate Buster Posey has nick-named "Beller") hit at .282 with 3 homers and and 13 RBIs, enough bait to give the kid from nowhere a shot at the big leagues.

Notwithstanding, fans may recall that a rag-tag Giants team that was tossed together last season with a hope-and-a-prayer (and a lot of gumption of the part of the General Manager), roared on to win the World Championships.

One reporter on the nightly news referred to the Belt "break" as one of the "feel good" stories of the day.

Indeed!

Within hours of the announcement to the press, Belt hopped on a jet alongside the rest of the Giants, to journey on to Los Angeles where he'll play in the "Opener" against the Dodgers today.

Sports enthusiasts, meanwhile, are ecstatic.

In fact, so much so, that a posse of fans rustled up the funds to purchase a banner to hoist up over the stadium in LA LA LAND, which will read:

SF Giants 2010
Champs: Beat LA

The ubiquitous in-your-face slogan is 75 feet long and 50 feet high and was crafted at a cost of approximately $6,500.

Folks who can't make the game in person can catch it on ESPN or KNBR (680 AM).

I am predicting a win!

By the way, the Giants beat out the Oakland A's yesterday.

http://www.thetattler.biz




Dodger Stadium in smog city!

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!

San Francisco Giants...Lady Antebellum to sing star-spangled banner! World Series!

Fan fever reached a heightened pitch today when it was announced that super-hot  music chart-toppers - Lady Antebellum - will  be performing the "Star Spangled Banner" at the World Series baseball game between San Francisco Giants and the Texas Rangers this week.

Go! Giants! Go!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Giants...the "Knot Hole" gang on top of game! Frisco in a fan frenzy!

Lincecum goes Hollywood in wake of super-star status

In the wake of sky-rocketting to hero status - and after the Giants cinched an edge-of-the-seat nail-biter against the rival Philadelphia basefull team - die-hard fans (and residents of San Franciso) are scrambling to deal with a big dilemma that looms on the horizon now.

How to snap up coveted tickets on the cheap for arguably the biggest sports event of the year at AT & T stadium on Wednesday afternoon?

On local news flashes all morning, reporters  are wailing that no-frills stand-up tickets are being scooped up at $450 a pop at a minimum.

Meanwhile, mediocre seats - out in the boondocks - are being snapped up for thousands  of dollars online - from scalpers in the streets - you name it.

Imagine the flourishing business revving up in Las Vegas as the much-anticipated play-off game approaches.

Some baseball fans are foregoing on hefty ticket prices for the Giant’s game, and electing to stand in line, to catch a ringside view of the diamond action from a little-known perch for free.

In an arched opening in the right field wall - known as the “Knot hole” - a posse of rag-tag fans will jockey for a position in a stand up space where the cost is zilch.

Before winning the match on the weekend, the locals - familiar with the "knot hole" - were predicting that there would be a frenzied gang of regulars - newbies, too - hot-footing it over to (what may become) the hottest non-ticketted ticket in town tomorrow.

I expect there will be a few strained necks and flared tempers as the crawl space starts brimming to capacity.

Pushy newcomers - who may have caught wind of the city's best-kept secret - may be put in their place with a quick rebuke by the regulars.

“We be here, first!”

So watch your toes - and backs - dudes!

The curious sports phenomenon didn't happen by chance, by the way.

The section of exposed playing field I am referring to - was part of an  original design built "in" - to  allow passers-by a golden opportunity to a catch a glimpse of the games from the street ( with the ultimate aim of getting more of the locals into the stands at premium prices).

In sum, the "peak hole" was fathomed up as a promotional tool.

To the club managers, the official name for the opening,  is the viewing portal.

Sunds kinky, doesn't it?

Or, is it just my dirty mind?

By the way, knot-holes (fans who frequent the hole-in-the-wall perch) are requied to follow a few practical rules - set down and enforded by Stadium Officials - so ensure  overzealous clods don't spoil the novel ball park experience for others.

Golden Knot-Hole Rules

*No drinking
*No dogs
*No folding chairs
*No cutting in line
*No hats (that block the view)

To ensure fans get an honest shot at a thrilling gander from the sidelines, a security moves along the sports enthusiasts every 3 innings.

The house employees note that it is not a problem nudging folks along, after all, the rag-tag band of Giants fans are keen on policing themselves anyhow to maintain the equilibrium.

A regular may direct a selfish knot-hole hog  to the back of the line without any hard feelings.

When polled, all knot-holers universally agreed it boils down to etiquette.

In this way, each individual is summarily treated with dignity and respect.

By following the golden rules, a patient fan may find themselves standing "this-close" to star athlete Cody Ross as he is trots by actively engaged in a history-making play on the field.

From this unique vantage point, emotional fans also are able to heckle a player, when the stakes get high.

Rattling the nerves of rivals may be a surefire way to gain a much-needed edge over the unsuspecting competition.

Apparently, the Guards can be sweet-talked, too.

Bribes - free coke, mouth-watering hotdogs, and even chips - may buy the ingratiating  fan another three innings because of their "thoughtfulness".

Finally, a bit of advice for the fan caught up in the heady moment.

Watch out for falling debris, eh?

Rowdy fans - with a few ales under their belt - may carelessly (or deliberately) fire cans over the sides of the stadium walls to cause a ruckus.

Also, keep a watchful eye out on street, mindful of  characters out to pick a fight.

Once tourists get wind of the  novel offbeat way to savor  the great american past-time in a romantic no-frills way, , they'll be screeching up to the curb by the busload.

Essentially the fun-filled experience is one for the have-nots, as one Wall Street Journal reporter quipped astutely.

And,  for the romantic few who don't mind roughing it, while saving a buck, too.

Play ball!

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Giants...lose it with sloppy plays! Fans rally! Groin pull a secret well kept!

One minute I was crouched in front of the TV screen cheering on the giants - the next - shaking my head in disbelief.

What just happened?

In the final analysis, sloppy ball-playing finally caught up with the giants - at which point - Lincecum and Cody Ross meekly limped off the field to lick their wounds.

There weren't any deafening roars  from the stands last night.

Not even a whimper.

Outside, reporters glumly noted that the mood was ugly, too.

“There were a few long faces. And, quite a bit of cussing."

The failed clincher brought a whole new meaning to the term "the finger".

One aggressive fan thrust his face into camera and made a vow.

“We’re going to Philly to bust some ass.”

The managers - and the players - remained optimistic.

Tim Lincecum confided that he didn’t feel comfortable with his pitching until the 4th inning.

In spite of that, he noted that he felt good about his rhythm.

“I tried to mix things up. Used sliders. And, there were a couple of lucky strikes,” he recalled solemnly, without grumbling, in spite of the fact sports analysts were blaming the loss on poor defense and a failure on part of giants to play crisp.

Baseball reporters rallied behind Tim, though.

“He performed better tonight than in the 1st game,” one reporter exalted.

When asked about the challenge ahead, the "freak" - as he is affectionately known - was  confident all the way (just maybe he's a good actor with a convincing poker face?).

Meanwhile, throughout the day, the bustling downtown streets were awash in orange and black.

Fans - who were polled in the streets impromptu - admitted there was an undeniable chemistry between the players which was inspiring

"The Giants have that intangible something," one resident conjectured.

Two cops noted that they got caught up in the hysteria surrounding Giant "fever", too.

Failing to spy the ubiquitous Halloween colors, a reporter was inclined to hazard a guess, that the otherwise talkative men-in-blue were sporting boxers patterned in appropriate motifs beneath their uniforms.

"We're on duty, so he can't say anything," they chuckled with devilish grins on their mugs.

Locals gave Kudos to the Giants for leaving their egos at the gate.

"No one is a superstar on this team. It's a  collective effort," one sports enthusiast observed.

To many, they're true underdogs, in every sense of the term.

So, the town is rooting for 'em.

“I feel we're  ok. If we do things right next game. And, the balls fall our way," Linescum summed up.

Tensions were high throughout the game.

In fact, one heated back-and-forth exchange - between Halladay and a team mate - underscored the obvious.

There was a lot of testosterone surging in the ranks.

Doc (Halladay) stood his ground.

Though his baseball cap was pulled down tight over his forehead and eyes - effectively hiding emotions lurking underneath - he was still an awesome study.

As the seasoned pro scanned the terrain, it was obvious to anyone with a keen eye, that Halladay was at the top of his game.

Fans and sports enthusiasts were inclined to size up both of the pitchers side-by-side.

“Halladay gets a ‘w’ on the scorecard,” one news anchor conceded.

But, no one blamed Tim for the dribbles, the club manager labeled unfortunate mistakes.

“It wasn’t exactly crisp.”

But, he asserted the team was resilient.

“Philly is tough,” he acknowledged, on the heels of noting that the giants were keenly aware of that fact.

To fans, they’re the underdogs, who have pulled together as a team.

“A couple of ball players on the old team only cared about money,” one animated fan accused.

The giants have an intangible something that has rustled up widespread enthusiasm and support.

“People I used to pass in the elevator with heads down, showed up today in orange and black, with rally caps and rally towels,” another upbeat local noted proudly.

At club, and trendy watering holes around town, the mood was still optimistic.

“It would be great to have a game without all the tension.

That’s the nature of the beast, eh?

It didn’t escape anyone’s attention that the play-offs were a big boost to the local economy.

"So, let it play out, for that reason alone."

“An emotional roller coaster ride”-  best described - how most fans felt about the torture they endured to the bitter end last night.

If you were looking for an intense nail biter to sink your teeth into, this was it, for sure.

In fact one astute observer referred to fans as the tenth player.

Most agree, for sure, that the Giants have brought the community together.

“They’re hungry for a winner.”

A whole generation has never experienced or witnessed a world series win.

Actually,  I spied folks catching the game in the busy rush-hour on TV sets in the windows of electronic stores along bustling Market Street.

The loss last night - a score of 3-2 in favor of the Phillies - means much of the same on Saturday.

More so, because the game takes place on Philadelphia turf.

Will the giants be forced to play out a 7th game at the AT& T Stadium next week?.

If so, fans will be there, raucously cheering the Giants on.

Time to cinch it , at long last, eh?

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Giants...Pound Phillies! Cody Ross top dog!

Giants in your face!

Cody Ross delivered once again!

Clearly, the Giant's hero took the headlines in the morning daily to task.

POUND PHILLY!

They surely did - in an afternoon match on home turf - that drove the fans WILD!

Uh-huh!

The Giants beat the Philadelphia Phillies 3-0 today in San Francisco.

Now, the mighty diamond "Kings", boast a 2-1 lead in the NL championship series.

Cody Ross continued to ignite the crowds with his fancy ball-playing.

After homering three times in the first two games at Philadelphia, he could do no wrong, to the fans packed into the bleachers.

"He plays with no fear," manager Bruce Bochy barkd out on the sidelines.

"That's what you like about the guy."

Meanwile, the man-of-the-hour tried to keep a cool head.

"I'm just going up there trying to relax, stay calm, make something happen," Ross said.

A difficult task, to say the least.

The Giants have never won the World Series since moving lock-stock-and-barrel to San Francisco back in 1958.

They came close in 2002, but, no cigar!

The last time the Giants franchise won the World Series was 1954.

With hard work, a bit of perseverance - and some luck - the Giants will turn that factoid around in 2010.

Go! Giants! Go!
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Oswalt points a finger!

Giants...Game 2 frenzy builds! Philly players "Fears the Beard"...

The atmosphere at Citizen’s Ball Park in Philadelphia was electric, as cocky Philly fans strode into the stadium, and valiantly waved on their sports heroes business as usual.

Fear the beard?

Perish the thought!

In spite of rustling up a spat of wins in recent days, the Giants didn’t get much respect initially, when they humbly sauntered into town.

By the end of the night, however, sports critics were scrambling to fathom a victory, that literally knocked the Philadelphia players out of the ball park.

Well, their psyches, at least.

Until last night, the Phillies boasted - that over the past 7 years - they’d always won the 1st game in any play-off series they participated in.

It was a crushing blow to die-hard fans when - come the 9th inning - the Phillies went down.

Of course, there will be a lot of Sunday morning “dugout” analysis on the specifics, sure to run the gamut.

Big outs! Highlight moments! Strikes & walks (that wowed ‘em).

But, the assessment by one spotlighted ball player, was the only one on the money.

“We checked our egos at the door, put our personal stats aside, and came together as a team,” Cody Ross (Giants) uttered up sincerely, at the bottom of the 9th.

For Ross, it’s been a classic Hollywood-style story.

A star pitcher (rolling out the fastballs for the Giants) got sick one night, so Cody - usually twiddling his thumbs in the dugout after being traded-off - got a call from the brass.

“You’re up kid!”

The rest, as they say, is baseball history.

If you go along with the scuttlebutt, without doubt, Roy Halladay - a “Golden Boy” in Baseball circles - was at the top of his game last night.

So, when one fan underscored from the sidelines that it was “all in the pitching”, some were left to scratch their crotches and replay all the smooth moves in their heads, to figure out the surprise turn-of-events late in the match on the diamond in Philadelphia on Friday eve.

What happened?

A torture tour, indeed!

“When the 2nd home run came, it totally changed the direction of the game,” an astute sports observer - rooting for the Giants - asserted to all within earshot.

Perhaps die-hard fans - who flew out on red-eye flights to catch the kick-off game - provided the inspiration the Giants needed to hang tough (with quiet confidence), push that much harder (and ultimately) lift the bar.

Meanwhile, it was a real hoot catching the reactions on the faces of a handful of players, when they struck out (walked, even).

Fear of the beard?

Not an urban myth, by any stretch of the imagination!

In fact, by the end of the 1st game of the playoffs, it was a grim reality.

After all, the Giants roared from behind, ripped the turf from under the Phillies - and before the players knew what hit them - suddenly owned the night.

The general consensus?

The Giants earned it!

Now, the frenzied “Playoff fever” has definitely settled in.

At trendy watering holes in San Francisco, fans started to tip their elbows early in the day, and the chug-a-lugging continued into the long good night.

A sea of orange and black said it all.

If ‘ya didn’t catch a “fear the beard” t-shirt in the crowd, it was for legal reasons.

The two gents (paramedics from Santa Cruz) who drummed up the catchy slogan have a copyright pending on the intellectual property which is currently stirring up a rant around the country.

Although relentless fans may be able to rustle up a shirt in the Santa Cruz area, the shelves at the Giants’ souvenir shop remain empty ‘til the rights to the novelty item have been signed, sealed, and delivered.

Curiously, the two creators of the celebrated phrase of the day, stated for the record on the news last night that they weren’t out to make a fistful of bucks on their idea.

“If we make enough to pay for trips to the games, that would be great,” they gushed to the reporter who tracked them down.

If that’s the case, just maybe, the visionary duo wouldn’t mind if fans scrawled the message on an old sweatshirt or two, as they head out to catch Game 2 Sunday afternoon.

By the way, clear skies are expected in Philadelphia.

It may end up being a starry night, in more ways than one, eh?

See ‘ya there!
 
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Go Giants Go!

Giants...hit homer into Philadelphia territory! Frenzied fans go wild!

 

Giant's trophy a boy's fantasy!

(or pipe dream?)

 

A thunderous roar went up in the stands, champagne corks exploded and ziz-zagged around the locker-room in the bowels of the stadium at dizzying high-speeds, and a posse of boisterous athletes - mere pranksers, at this point - drowned their fellow team mates in a shower of expensive bubbly.

The Giants scored big in their fourth game last night - on the Braves' home turf in Atlanta (if you can imagine it) and Frisco's celebrated  heroes of-the-hour  weren't going to let the joyous occasion slip by without anyone noticing it.

How could the fans, anyway?

Earlier in the day, elated fans packed local pubs and trendy watering holes, to catch the pitch-by-pitch action on the wide screen much to the delight of local business owners who excitedly counted the cash that was thrust over the counter hand-over-fist throughout the course of the wild ride throughout the heady night that didn't disappoint as it finally bumped-and-ground to a halt at the nightly-news hour.

The Giants beat out the Braves 3-2 - in a game that some say - was history-making.

Meanwhile, long-haired pitcher - Tim Lincecum - zoomed right up there into super-star stud status in the big leagues, alright.

When it comes to sponsors in the weeks ahead?

The sky is no limit!

Meanwhile, at the Brave's clubhouse, Bobby Cox was crying the blues - literally.

Though one tough cookie, normally, he fought back a genuine hard-earned tear or two.

However, great sportsman that he is, the seasoned pro managed to utter up congratulations to  the high-spirited dark horses who came from behind and bested 'em.

Amidst all the euphoria, some whiners were perdicting agony ahead for the Giants.

Their contenders - the Phillie's - were being hailed as great pitchers and hitters, for example.

Some scoffed that the Giants' win was a struggle against a team that was at the bottom of the barrel from the get-go.

To quote Gertrude Stein, however:

"A win is a win is a win!"

Yup.

Fans, and critics alike, will see what stuff they're made of when they embark on a heady new experience on the star-studded diamond later this week.

Go! Giants! Go!

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