Noteworthy performances:
Oakland A's Joe Blanton goes for 8 strong innings in the season opener against the Seattle Mariners in Oakland. And, Huston Street gets out of a crazy bases-loaded situation in the 9th! Tonight's win brings them only a 1/2 game out of 1st in the AL West (behind Texas).
It's gettin brutal in the NL West - for the SF Giants atleast! Jared Wright was knocked out of the park in the 1st inning tonight, against the DBacks in AZ, but I really really like his stuff. Concern: I feel like all our opponents are able to read him as the game/season progresses. Aside from Wright, though, I can't recall specific outings, but I know I saw Accardo in a relief (?) situation a couple weeks back (?) and I was stunned - he had some crazy powerful control and I honestly didn't know who I was watching - he was like a whole new pitcher.
I'm getting really worried about all the pressure on our Ace, Jason Schmidt. He is gonna have to carry us through to the postseason, and I just hope he still has enough in him to get through an Orange October!
Tonight was Barry's first game back in exactly 7 days. He definitely hasn't looked as 'sharp' as in year's past, and I miss it, BUT... as far as I'm concerned, he still brings so much to the game. I am thoroughly intrigued with how his mere presence in the lineup, alone, affects the dynamics of the game, the broadcast, the energy... sidethought: I thought I was hallucinating when tonight's camera flashed to the Giants dugout, before first pitch, and could've sworn I saw Barry waving to the camera!?! trippy. It's refreshing not feeling like everyone around me is just watching him, with bated breath, waiting for another long ball. I seriously just want him to get a hit, get on base, score a run, and show me some glovin out there in LF! Plus, awesome defensive plays like the one today, when he robbed the DBack's Eric Byrnes of a homer... sigh... that's my Barry.
Travis Ishikawa seems so comfortable in the Bigs - like he's been up from the minors for 5 years already! He seriously looks pretty solid and his mechanics are only further solidified with his seemingly calm, cool mentality/attitude.
I'm at the ballpark next Tuesday, against the Angels, so it'll be difficult for me, but I will promise not to heckle any Angels fans in the park (well, atleast not to the point of violence... hehe).
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Friday, May 19, 2006
I smell an Orange October...
whew, it's been so long, but I'm finally getting out to the ballpark and making time for my SF Giants this season.
I'm keepin a close eye out on our rotation and bullpen. Schmidttie is just BRINGIN IT. I missed Opening Day for the first time in a few years, but my first game back was phenomenal. The Cubs were in town and I was 6 rows away from our bullpen. Schmidt was starting and he was amazing. He still had some heat in the 9th inning and looked SOLID throughout the game. Matheny and Finley have been great to watch. And Vizquel and Feliz will never cease to amaze me! But, ofcourse, my big guy, Bonds, really brings the game to a whole new level. He is absolutely choking with every at-bat, hung on #713, but atleast he's squeezed in a few awesome clutch hits since that last longball in Philly. The Bay Bridge series is in Oakland this week, so it'll be a great weekend!
Our last series in Houston was great - Feliz' bat is hot and Finley's our very own Triple machine! I watched when Barry was hit and it was so disappointing to see/hear the reaction from those ignorant Houston fans (yes, I am allowed to stereotype all people from Houston, and Texas, by extension, because this opinion is based on 38,000+ people! hehe).
Came across this article by "Betting Fool" of sfgate.com - here are some snippets:
Houston, I have a problem: Your fans suck
Betting Fool, SFGate
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Sharks fans, you are off the hook. So to speak.
Clueless Astros fans set a new low on Tuesday, cheering a 90-mph fastball (slider, my butt) directed at a man's head.
Stone him! Burn the witch! Nice.
...There is nothing positive or legit about Astros fans and very little to like about the city of Houston. Enron, hellish traffic, awful weather, a horrible college football program and drum-roll please . . . No Reggie Bush!
The Astros have never won anything, going to the World Series last year only to be swept. The Oilers left town, eventually replaced by the awful Texans.
What's that, the Rockets won NBA titles? Why yes they did, when the NBA was at an all-time low. Along with the Baltimore Ravens in football and the Arizona Diamondbacks in baseball, the Rockets were some of the worst world champions -- ever.
Dallas is classy and cool, San Antonio is funky, charming, historic and has maybe the best Mexican food on the planet. Austin is outrageous tunes and tons of fun.
Houston? The town smells bad. Maybe it's because it's always wet or hot. The worst stop on the PGA Tour is in Houston, sponsored by a greedy oil company...
You'd think the local Houston media wouldn't jump on the anti-Bonds bandwagon to the extent the fans did when Russ Springer appeared to go after Bonds, with a horsehide weapon.
If you thought that, you'd be wrong.
From the Houston Chronicle: "Astros reliever Russ Springer delivered a blow Tuesday night for every major-league pitcher Barry Bonds might have cheated with the help of steroids and every fan he might have spurned throughout the years. Just in case there's any doubt what America thinks of Bonds, the crowd of 35,286 delivered a standing ovation after Springer drilled Bonds with a pitch in the fifth inning."
What utter garbage.
First of all, Russ Springer is a clown, a nobody, confused with other unimportant players like Russ Davis and Dennis Springer. Where does this journeyman nimrod get off "delivering a blow" for anyone?
Does Bonds get to "deliver" anything against all the pitchers who used steroids? If he did, there would be some seam prints on some foreheads.
As for "what America thinks," how does the writer know that Houston speaks for America? If Houston speaks for America, I'm moving to Canada -- by Friday.
Did you realize that Springer also delivered a blow for "every fan" Bonds has spurned? With one gutless head-high fastball, that nimrod did more for baseball than Mother Teresa did for the poor in 20 years.
Speaking of 20 years ago, my most vivid memory of Astros' fans is the noise they made only when the giant animated hands went into action on the Astrodome scoreboard..."
And ofcourse, an update from our classy friends at mlb.com...
05/18/2006 8:41 PM ET
Giants decline to start hit-batter battle
Team takes the high road in incident with Astros
By Gene Duffey / Special to MLB.com
excerpt: "Instead of throwing at the Astros, the Giants completely outplayed them on Wednesday, 10-1, to complete a sweep of the three-game series in Houston.
Bonds did not play in the third game.
"Sweeping them hurts more than anything," said right-hander Matt Morris, who pitched eight innings to earn the win.
The Giants outscored Houston 34-5 in the series, scoring in the first inning of every game and never trailing in any of the three games."
Two words: LAST LAUGH!
I'm keepin a close eye out on our rotation and bullpen. Schmidttie is just BRINGIN IT. I missed Opening Day for the first time in a few years, but my first game back was phenomenal. The Cubs were in town and I was 6 rows away from our bullpen. Schmidt was starting and he was amazing. He still had some heat in the 9th inning and looked SOLID throughout the game. Matheny and Finley have been great to watch. And Vizquel and Feliz will never cease to amaze me! But, ofcourse, my big guy, Bonds, really brings the game to a whole new level. He is absolutely choking with every at-bat, hung on #713, but atleast he's squeezed in a few awesome clutch hits since that last longball in Philly. The Bay Bridge series is in Oakland this week, so it'll be a great weekend!
Our last series in Houston was great - Feliz' bat is hot and Finley's our very own Triple machine! I watched when Barry was hit and it was so disappointing to see/hear the reaction from those ignorant Houston fans (yes, I am allowed to stereotype all people from Houston, and Texas, by extension, because this opinion is based on 38,000+ people! hehe).
Came across this article by "Betting Fool" of sfgate.com - here are some snippets:
Houston, I have a problem: Your fans suck
Betting Fool, SFGate
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Sharks fans, you are off the hook. So to speak.
Clueless Astros fans set a new low on Tuesday, cheering a 90-mph fastball (slider, my butt) directed at a man's head.
Stone him! Burn the witch! Nice.
...There is nothing positive or legit about Astros fans and very little to like about the city of Houston. Enron, hellish traffic, awful weather, a horrible college football program and drum-roll please . . . No Reggie Bush!
The Astros have never won anything, going to the World Series last year only to be swept. The Oilers left town, eventually replaced by the awful Texans.
What's that, the Rockets won NBA titles? Why yes they did, when the NBA was at an all-time low. Along with the Baltimore Ravens in football and the Arizona Diamondbacks in baseball, the Rockets were some of the worst world champions -- ever.
Dallas is classy and cool, San Antonio is funky, charming, historic and has maybe the best Mexican food on the planet. Austin is outrageous tunes and tons of fun.
Houston? The town smells bad. Maybe it's because it's always wet or hot. The worst stop on the PGA Tour is in Houston, sponsored by a greedy oil company...
You'd think the local Houston media wouldn't jump on the anti-Bonds bandwagon to the extent the fans did when Russ Springer appeared to go after Bonds, with a horsehide weapon.
If you thought that, you'd be wrong.
From the Houston Chronicle: "Astros reliever Russ Springer delivered a blow Tuesday night for every major-league pitcher Barry Bonds might have cheated with the help of steroids and every fan he might have spurned throughout the years. Just in case there's any doubt what America thinks of Bonds, the crowd of 35,286 delivered a standing ovation after Springer drilled Bonds with a pitch in the fifth inning."
What utter garbage.
First of all, Russ Springer is a clown, a nobody, confused with other unimportant players like Russ Davis and Dennis Springer. Where does this journeyman nimrod get off "delivering a blow" for anyone?
Does Bonds get to "deliver" anything against all the pitchers who used steroids? If he did, there would be some seam prints on some foreheads.
As for "what America thinks," how does the writer know that Houston speaks for America? If Houston speaks for America, I'm moving to Canada -- by Friday.
Did you realize that Springer also delivered a blow for "every fan" Bonds has spurned? With one gutless head-high fastball, that nimrod did more for baseball than Mother Teresa did for the poor in 20 years.
Speaking of 20 years ago, my most vivid memory of Astros' fans is the noise they made only when the giant animated hands went into action on the Astrodome scoreboard..."
And ofcourse, an update from our classy friends at mlb.com...
05/18/2006 8:41 PM ET
Giants decline to start hit-batter battle
Team takes the high road in incident with Astros
By Gene Duffey / Special to MLB.com
excerpt: "Instead of throwing at the Astros, the Giants completely outplayed them on Wednesday, 10-1, to complete a sweep of the three-game series in Houston.
Bonds did not play in the third game.
"Sweeping them hurts more than anything," said right-hander Matt Morris, who pitched eight innings to earn the win.
The Giants outscored Houston 34-5 in the series, scoring in the first inning of every game and never trailing in any of the three games."
Two words: LAST LAUGH!
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Baseball 2005 - preview (well, atleast for the NL West!)
Ok, I'm slowly trying to soak in all the player moves and came across a nifty little article by Chris Haft of Mercury News.
Despite the awesome additions of SS Omar Vizquel, Closer Armando Benitez, C Mike Matheny, Outfielder Moises Alou & Left-hander Jeff Fassero, I seriously think our division can be a potentially tight race!
These are some of my fears...
Los Angeles:
-It'll be great to 'hiss' at Jeff Kent again when L.A.'s in town, but he did pretty well last year with the Astros, with constant clutch hitting (.289 in 2004 and he led the club with 107 RBI);
- J.D. Drew. I think he is just gonna explode in 2005. Here's what he did last year, in his 7th year of play with the Atlanta Braves: .305 AVG, 31 HR, 93 RBI.
>>>Granted, the Dodgers lost 3B Adrian Beltre to Seattle (Beltre went crazy in 2004, hitting 48 HR, batting .334 with 121 RBI), and lost Steve Finley (in his late 30's, Finley was still able to pull of some good numbers in 2004: .271 AVG, 36 HR, 96 RBI), BUT... Kent & Drew will bring a lot to the field
Arizona Diamondbacks:
- Key losses, but I'm worried about ANY team with RHP Russ Ortiz in their rotation!
- Plus, Troy Glaus, Royce Clayton and Craig Counsell in the infield - YIKES!
- Oh, and did I mention the unhealthy fear of Russ Ortiz!
Not so worried about the San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies, but I'm still keepin my eye on the Pads' Jake Peavy (in 2004, 15-6, with a 2.27 ERA).
Ok, back to my boys...
Pedro Feliz. I'm expecting even more out of this guy. No set position, but what a clutch utility guy. I seriously think he's played every position but 1 and 2! That's versatility - and he's played each position with veteran-like awareness and confidence, IMHO. His body type and swing changed dramatically from the 2003 season to 2004.
Edgardo Alfonzo has been hard at work apparently. According to Rich Draper of MLB.com, he's shed nearly 18 lbs. in the offseason and has played solid Winter ball in his native Venezuela. You go, boy! I want my money's worth this season!
Ok, all for now.
-o
Despite the awesome additions of SS Omar Vizquel, Closer Armando Benitez, C Mike Matheny, Outfielder Moises Alou & Left-hander Jeff Fassero, I seriously think our division can be a potentially tight race!
These are some of my fears...
Los Angeles:
-It'll be great to 'hiss' at Jeff Kent again when L.A.'s in town, but he did pretty well last year with the Astros, with constant clutch hitting (.289 in 2004 and he led the club with 107 RBI);
- J.D. Drew. I think he is just gonna explode in 2005. Here's what he did last year, in his 7th year of play with the Atlanta Braves: .305 AVG, 31 HR, 93 RBI.
>>>Granted, the Dodgers lost 3B Adrian Beltre to Seattle (Beltre went crazy in 2004, hitting 48 HR, batting .334 with 121 RBI), and lost Steve Finley (in his late 30's, Finley was still able to pull of some good numbers in 2004: .271 AVG, 36 HR, 96 RBI), BUT... Kent & Drew will bring a lot to the field
Arizona Diamondbacks:
- Key losses, but I'm worried about ANY team with RHP Russ Ortiz in their rotation!
- Plus, Troy Glaus, Royce Clayton and Craig Counsell in the infield - YIKES!
- Oh, and did I mention the unhealthy fear of Russ Ortiz!
Not so worried about the San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies, but I'm still keepin my eye on the Pads' Jake Peavy (in 2004, 15-6, with a 2.27 ERA).
Ok, back to my boys...
Pedro Feliz. I'm expecting even more out of this guy. No set position, but what a clutch utility guy. I seriously think he's played every position but 1 and 2! That's versatility - and he's played each position with veteran-like awareness and confidence, IMHO. His body type and swing changed dramatically from the 2003 season to 2004.
Edgardo Alfonzo has been hard at work apparently. According to Rich Draper of MLB.com, he's shed nearly 18 lbs. in the offseason and has played solid Winter ball in his native Venezuela. You go, boy! I want my money's worth this season!
Ok, all for now.
-o
Monday, January 03, 2005
New Year's Eve weekend Movie Marathon
Happy 2005!
Manchurian Candidate (Denzel Washington)
Chronicles of Riddick (Vin Diesel)
Twilight Samurai (Hiroyuki Sanada)
Surviving Christmas (Ben Affleck, James Gandolfini)
Collateral Damage (Jamie Foxx, Tom Cruise)
Bourne Supremacy (Matt Damon)
Meet the Fockers (Ben Stiller, Robert DeNiro)
Why do they show explicit movie previews for an R-rated movie, preceding a PG-13 movie? I just don't get it.
I can't wait for these following movies, too!
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, July 2005 (my favorites, Tim Burton, Danny Elfman, Johnny Depp, aaaahhhh)
Batman Begins, June 17, 2005
Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous
all for now.
Manchurian Candidate (Denzel Washington)
Chronicles of Riddick (Vin Diesel)
Twilight Samurai (Hiroyuki Sanada)
Surviving Christmas (Ben Affleck, James Gandolfini)
Collateral Damage (Jamie Foxx, Tom Cruise)
Bourne Supremacy (Matt Damon)
Meet the Fockers (Ben Stiller, Robert DeNiro)
Why do they show explicit movie previews for an R-rated movie, preceding a PG-13 movie? I just don't get it.
I can't wait for these following movies, too!
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, July 2005 (my favorites, Tim Burton, Danny Elfman, Johnny Depp, aaaahhhh)
Batman Begins, June 17, 2005
Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous
all for now.
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Onwards...
Ok, very quickly, some baseball catch-up: Go Boston! Woohoo! I'm convinced A-Rod broke the curse in the ALCS. Not only did Boston win the World Series for the first time since 1918, but they broke records in the process! Unbelievable. More baseball to follow.
all for now,
-o
all for now,
-o
Friday, October 22, 2004
Red October!
WOW. The ALCS and NLCS were absolutely monumental! Hot Hot Hot Baseball! I'm looking forward to the World Series Game 1 on Saturday, 10/23/20004. I'll be at a dinner party, but rest assured, I'll find a way to watch it! So far, these are the pitching probables:
Saturday, 10/23, Boston: Woody Williams (StL) vs. Tim Wakefield (Bos)
Sunday, 10/24, Boston: Jason Marquis (StL) vs Curt Schilling (Bos)
Tuesday, 10/26, St. Louis: Pedro Martinez (Bos) vs. Matt Morris (StL)
Wednesday, 10/27, St. Louis: Derek Lowe (Bos) vs. Jeff Suppan (StL)
Thursday, 10/28, St. Louis:
Saturday, 10/30, Boston:
Sunday, 10/31, Boston:
Saturday, 10/23, Boston: Woody Williams (StL) vs. Tim Wakefield (Bos)
Sunday, 10/24, Boston: Jason Marquis (StL) vs Curt Schilling (Bos)
Tuesday, 10/26, St. Louis: Pedro Martinez (Bos) vs. Matt Morris (StL)
Wednesday, 10/27, St. Louis: Derek Lowe (Bos) vs. Jeff Suppan (StL)
Thursday, 10/28, St. Louis:
Saturday, 10/30, Boston:
Sunday, 10/31, Boston:
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Unlucky 13
Boston Red Sox 4, NY Yankees 2. It was historical...and it was because #13, Alex Rodriguez, singlehandedly lifted the curse tonight - I'm convinced Boston will advance. I could not believe the stunt A-Rod tried to pull by not only trying to swipe the ball out of Boston pitcher Bronson Arroyo's hand as he approached 1B in the 8th, BUT he also had the nerve to try and talk the umps into believing that his 'interfering swipe' was actually a natural part of his running motion. The replays CLEARLY showed it was definitely an intentional attempt at interference. That was so disheartening to see someone like A-Rod trying to get away with something like that. I mean, in that situation, of course, as a player, you're gonna try and just go with the initial call for the sake of the RBI and advancing to 2nd, BUT as soon as the umpires revise/correct their call, he could've just been visibly upset, maybe throw his arms up in frustration or somethin - he didn't have to go the length and try to make like that was his regular running motion. Karma, A-Rod, Karma...
ALCS Game 7 resumes tomorrow night at 5:19 pm PST, w/probable starting pitchers, Wakefield vs. Brown
The NLCS Series resumes with Game 6 in St. Louis, with Matt Morris (!) on the hill vs. the Houston Astros' Pete Munro.
ALCS Game 7 resumes tomorrow night at 5:19 pm PST, w/probable starting pitchers, Wakefield vs. Brown
The NLCS Series resumes with Game 6 in St. Louis, with Matt Morris (!) on the hill vs. the Houston Astros' Pete Munro.
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Celedonio Madrid 04/16/1912 - 10/13/2004
We just received news that my Grandfather, Celedonio Madrid ("Lolo Doniong") has passed away. Lolo Doniong was 92 years "young" and is survived by his wife, Filomena ("Lola Luming"), his three children, Artemio Madrid, EduardoMadrid, & Aida Alabanza; eleven grandchildren, Adea, Noel, Olma & Maya Madrid, Carmen Ponce, Edgardo, Edmund & Christina Madrid, Paolo, Noel & Ian Alabanza; And twelve great-grandchildren, Jamee & Julee Sarmiento, Eduardo, Alex & Pedro Ponce, Michael & January Madrid, Maggie & Mary Mirt, and three Alabanza granddaughters on the way.
A funeral mass and rosary will be held on Saturday, October 23 in Barrio Boy-utan, Bauang, La Union, Philippines.
A funeral mass and rosary will be held on Saturday, October 23 in Barrio Boy-utan, Bauang, La Union, Philippines.
Monday, October 11, 2004
October Baseball... It is gonna be HOT!
I'm still sore with the Houston Astros for 'taking' the Wild Card slot from us in their win against the Colorado Rockies earlier this month (I use that term lightly, since the SF Giants actually 'gave' it away with that horrible loss against Steve Finley and his Dodgers. sigh...)
So, after tonight's huge win against the Atlanta Braves, the Houston Astros advance to the NL Championship Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. I don't see how the Astros could possibly contend against the Cards, but there's a side of me that will always go for the underdog, in some small manner. This is the Astros first time in the post-season. Game 1 is on Wednesday night.
Then, we've got the Boston Red Sox against the New York Yankees in game one of the ALCS tomorrow night! Curt Schilling's on the hill against NY's Mike Mussina. I really really like Mussina's stuff but I'm pulling for Schilling all the way!
It's been difficult revisiting any aspect of this past SF Giants season, but I finally started catching up on some local news articles regarding the G-Men. Here are some noteworthy, entertaining articles I've come across:
wrt to doing something about Barry Bonds seeing more pitches, Scott Ostler of the SF Chronicle suggests Rogaine for MLB Managers and a new rule, the DNW - the Designated non-Walker! Hilarious.
Barry Barry Barry - Mark Camps of the SF Chronicle discusses how "Bonds not only smashed records, he also lapped the field".
Help Wanted - Bruce Jenkins discusses how the Giants need "Genuine authority batting behind Bonds"
Alas, Waiting-for-Boof outlines the five stages of grief for all the fans in his 10/03/2004 entry. I'm glad I'm not the only one that openly expresses their desire to hit Steve Finley. "Counting on the Rockies" - a new catch phrase for Giants fans...
-o
I'm still sore with the Houston Astros for 'taking' the Wild Card slot from us in their win against the Colorado Rockies earlier this month (I use that term lightly, since the SF Giants actually 'gave' it away with that horrible loss against Steve Finley and his Dodgers. sigh...)
So, after tonight's huge win against the Atlanta Braves, the Houston Astros advance to the NL Championship Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. I don't see how the Astros could possibly contend against the Cards, but there's a side of me that will always go for the underdog, in some small manner. This is the Astros first time in the post-season. Game 1 is on Wednesday night.
Then, we've got the Boston Red Sox against the New York Yankees in game one of the ALCS tomorrow night! Curt Schilling's on the hill against NY's Mike Mussina. I really really like Mussina's stuff but I'm pulling for Schilling all the way!
It's been difficult revisiting any aspect of this past SF Giants season, but I finally started catching up on some local news articles regarding the G-Men. Here are some noteworthy, entertaining articles I've come across:
wrt to doing something about Barry Bonds seeing more pitches, Scott Ostler of the SF Chronicle suggests Rogaine for MLB Managers and a new rule, the DNW - the Designated non-Walker! Hilarious.
Barry Barry Barry - Mark Camps of the SF Chronicle discusses how "Bonds not only smashed records, he also lapped the field".
Help Wanted - Bruce Jenkins discusses how the Giants need "Genuine authority batting behind Bonds"
Alas, Waiting-for-Boof outlines the five stages of grief for all the fans in his 10/03/2004 entry. I'm glad I'm not the only one that openly expresses their desire to hit Steve Finley. "Counting on the Rockies" - a new catch phrase for Giants fans...
-o
Sunday, October 03, 2004
Friday, October 01, 2004
The G-men had a huge win tonight. Kirk "Woody" Reuter went 7 innings strong, followed by reliever, Jim Brower and closer, Dustin Hermanson. Hermanson had a huge outing, successfully securing the win. Whew... that felt sooooo goood. 2B Ray Durham and 1B J.T. Snow both went yard tonight! We only have two more games in the regular season - both in Dodger Stadium. Tomorrow, we have Brett Tomko on the hill. Then, the regular season concludes with our Ace, Jason Schmidt, on Sunday!
The Houston Astros beat the Colorado Rockies tonight in Houston and the Chicago Cubs lost, at home, to the Atlanta Braves, so we're tied with Houston for the Wild Card slot and two games back from the NL West division-leading Dodgers.
The Oakland A's took a very bad beating tonight at the Coliseum against that Anaheim team. Pyuck - I don't even want to mention their names on my blog...
The Houston Astros beat the Colorado Rockies tonight in Houston and the Chicago Cubs lost, at home, to the Atlanta Braves, so we're tied with Houston for the Wild Card slot and two games back from the NL West division-leading Dodgers.
The Oakland A's took a very bad beating tonight at the Coliseum against that Anaheim team. Pyuck - I don't even want to mention their names on my blog...
G - o - o - o G - I - A - N - T - S!
Saturday, September 25, 2004
The G-men are seriously breakin my heart... Our bullpen absolutely unraveled, giving up 5 runs in the top of the 9th inning to lose our lead, after Schmiddtie had thrown a gem into the 7th.
Ok, here's a crazy statistic - It's bottom of the 1st, Game 1 of a 3-game series vs. the Dodgers at SBC Park [Brad Hennessey started off the top of the inning, with 25 y.o. Adrian Beltre hitting a bases-clearing, 2-run double (Beltre currently leads the leagues with 47 HRs)]. After Ray Durham leads off with a solo homer, followed by Pedro Feliz's base hit, Bonds is up at bat. He draws a 4-pitch walk, his 114th Intentional Walk of the SEASON! To put that in perspective - there are currently only 22 active players who have atleast 100 Intentional Walks in their CAREERS! I can't even fathom what Bonds could do if they only pitched to him...
Ok, here's a crazy statistic - It's bottom of the 1st, Game 1 of a 3-game series vs. the Dodgers at SBC Park [Brad Hennessey started off the top of the inning, with 25 y.o. Adrian Beltre hitting a bases-clearing, 2-run double (Beltre currently leads the leagues with 47 HRs)]. After Ray Durham leads off with a solo homer, followed by Pedro Feliz's base hit, Bonds is up at bat. He draws a 4-pitch walk, his 114th Intentional Walk of the SEASON! To put that in perspective - there are currently only 22 active players who have atleast 100 Intentional Walks in their CAREERS! I can't even fathom what Bonds could do if they only pitched to him...
Thursday, September 23, 2004
Friday, September 17, 2004
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Woohoo! The Giants WIN over the Milwaukee Brewers tonight bring them only 2 1/2 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West and a 1/2 game ahead of the Cubs in the Wild Card race.
Barry didn't hit #700 in Milwaukee - he's saving it for SBC Park! BUT... he went 3 for 3 with a walk in tonights shutout game in Milwaukee! I didn't get to watch the game but did see highlights - absolutely CLUTCH and power hitting. And Pedro Feliz is really steppin up with his defense.
Bay Area Ball, in general, is so hot right now. The Oakland A's remain 2 games up, over the Anaheim Angels, in the AL West Race. Pitcher Rich Harden is 7-1 since the All Star Break and Bobby Crosby is my top pick for Rookie of the Year, for sure!
Restaurant Review - 2 weeks ago, Dean and I had dinner at Amarin Thai on Castro Street in Mountain View before Salsa class. Absolutely exquisite dinner and ambiance.
I've already reviewed Barracuda Restaurant on Primrose Avenue in Burlingame, but had a chance to revisit for Dean's first time there last week and had the most awesome dish - Salmon Curry... mmmmm... This time, I had dessert, Ghirardelli Chocolate Souffle and it was scrumdillyumptious. I was so full after dinner, but as soon as we left, I was already thinking of the next time I would have that Salmon Curry.
Barry didn't hit #700 in Milwaukee - he's saving it for SBC Park! BUT... he went 3 for 3 with a walk in tonights shutout game in Milwaukee! I didn't get to watch the game but did see highlights - absolutely CLUTCH and power hitting. And Pedro Feliz is really steppin up with his defense.
Bay Area Ball, in general, is so hot right now. The Oakland A's remain 2 games up, over the Anaheim Angels, in the AL West Race. Pitcher Rich Harden is 7-1 since the All Star Break and Bobby Crosby is my top pick for Rookie of the Year, for sure!
Restaurant Review - 2 weeks ago, Dean and I had dinner at Amarin Thai on Castro Street in Mountain View before Salsa class. Absolutely exquisite dinner and ambiance.
I've already reviewed Barracuda Restaurant on Primrose Avenue in Burlingame, but had a chance to revisit for Dean's first time there last week and had the most awesome dish - Salmon Curry... mmmmm... This time, I had dessert, Ghirardelli Chocolate Souffle and it was scrumdillyumptious. I was so full after dinner, but as soon as we left, I was already thinking of the next time I would have that Salmon Curry.
Saturday, August 28, 2004
In keeping with tradition, I'll begin with some baseball talk...
Barry Bonds hit homerun #36, a 3-run opposite field blast, on the 3-1 pitch vs. Jared Wright of the Atlanta Braves today. He got the Giants on board, with a 3-0 lead. Soon after, the Braves tied it up, then scored two more to win the game, 5-3. sigh... Barry seriously needs offensive support and I am seriously losing faith in our rotation and bullpen.
Today, was an absolute scorcher in Burlingame! I took a quick afternoon walk with my friend, Rachel, at work today and it was too much to bear - we couldn't wait to get back to the air-conditioned office and just sit motionless...
Ok, now on to the FUN stuff - It's week 2 of Salsa class dancing in San Jose (YMCA on The Alameda). I simply can't put, into words, how much I enjoy dancing. It's always great fun to have a competent and fun lead during Salsa, and Dean is definitely a great lead. The Instructor is a fiesty energetic lady, Lisa King, who has a devoted following. So far, Salsa dancing has been coupled with great dining...
Last week, Dean and I had dinner at the new Straits Restaurant just down the street from my place in Burlingame, the night before my first Salsa class in years! Absolutely exquisite meal AND dessert! It was a beautiful, pleasant night and the Singaporean cuisine was perfect, though I'm told they 'skimped' on our order of fried calamari which I actually thought was quite huge! I ordered "Ikan Pangang" (salmon filet topped with pureed fresh chili, lemongrass, garlic and onion wrapped in banana leaves and grilled) - It was to-die-for and more than I was expecting after having read its description on their website. For dessert, Dean opted for the Lava cake (chocolate), while I stuck to my traditional "banana fritter" faire (gotta have my breaded and fried bananas when it's available!).
Tonight, after Salsa class, Lisa mentioned an Ethiopian restaurant she frequently visits after classes on Friday nights, so we headed over to "Queen of Sheba" right on The Alameda, just a little ways from the YMCA building. It's attached to a motel and serves as the "hotel diner" for travelers, so the menu is quite unique - Hamburgers, fries, then straight-up authentic Ethiopian cuisine just a few pages down! This was my first time eating Ethiopian food, so I was absolutely excited to try something new AND something I've always wanted to try, but kept putting off. The owner was so patient and welcoming and gracious. He offered to serve our three separate orders, family style, on one huge plate and gave us rice, along with the standard Ethiopian bread, "Injera" (a spongy, crepelike texture). Lisa had her separate order of cabbage and potatoes. Dean ordered a spicy, dried beef dish (mixed with Injera); Connie ordered another mild dish of beef strips; I ordered a saucy Chicken dish which I absolutely loved. I'm craving for the flavor already. It was a great meal, interesting conversation and great laughs. I will definitely return (no ambiance whatsoever, but great cuisine). All for now,
-o
Barry Bonds hit homerun #36, a 3-run opposite field blast, on the 3-1 pitch vs. Jared Wright of the Atlanta Braves today. He got the Giants on board, with a 3-0 lead. Soon after, the Braves tied it up, then scored two more to win the game, 5-3. sigh... Barry seriously needs offensive support and I am seriously losing faith in our rotation and bullpen.
Today, was an absolute scorcher in Burlingame! I took a quick afternoon walk with my friend, Rachel, at work today and it was too much to bear - we couldn't wait to get back to the air-conditioned office and just sit motionless...
Ok, now on to the FUN stuff - It's week 2 of Salsa class dancing in San Jose (YMCA on The Alameda). I simply can't put, into words, how much I enjoy dancing. It's always great fun to have a competent and fun lead during Salsa, and Dean is definitely a great lead. The Instructor is a fiesty energetic lady, Lisa King, who has a devoted following. So far, Salsa dancing has been coupled with great dining...
Last week, Dean and I had dinner at the new Straits Restaurant just down the street from my place in Burlingame, the night before my first Salsa class in years! Absolutely exquisite meal AND dessert! It was a beautiful, pleasant night and the Singaporean cuisine was perfect, though I'm told they 'skimped' on our order of fried calamari which I actually thought was quite huge! I ordered "Ikan Pangang" (salmon filet topped with pureed fresh chili, lemongrass, garlic and onion wrapped in banana leaves and grilled) - It was to-die-for and more than I was expecting after having read its description on their website. For dessert, Dean opted for the Lava cake (chocolate), while I stuck to my traditional "banana fritter" faire (gotta have my breaded and fried bananas when it's available!).
Tonight, after Salsa class, Lisa mentioned an Ethiopian restaurant she frequently visits after classes on Friday nights, so we headed over to "Queen of Sheba" right on The Alameda, just a little ways from the YMCA building. It's attached to a motel and serves as the "hotel diner" for travelers, so the menu is quite unique - Hamburgers, fries, then straight-up authentic Ethiopian cuisine just a few pages down! This was my first time eating Ethiopian food, so I was absolutely excited to try something new AND something I've always wanted to try, but kept putting off. The owner was so patient and welcoming and gracious. He offered to serve our three separate orders, family style, on one huge plate and gave us rice, along with the standard Ethiopian bread, "Injera" (a spongy, crepelike texture). Lisa had her separate order of cabbage and potatoes. Dean ordered a spicy, dried beef dish (mixed with Injera); Connie ordered another mild dish of beef strips; I ordered a saucy Chicken dish which I absolutely loved. I'm craving for the flavor already. It was a great meal, interesting conversation and great laughs. I will definitely return (no ambiance whatsoever, but great cuisine). All for now,
-o
Monday, July 19, 2004
Baseball, what else...
John Miller reports that Arizona Diamondback's "Big Unit" Randy Johnson had mentioned to Giants' Ace Jason Schmidt and Super Barry that "...it would be great to be back in the Bay Area..." Boy, when its a huge rumor like this, I'm very naive and prone to turning it into FACT! Can you imagine the possibilities!?!
Rich Aurilia, released by the AL Seattle Mariners on July 10, was picked up by the San Diego Padres! (Yes, he'll be with the team when they're at SBC Park on Wednesday and Thursday this week!) This is wonderful news cuz I just absolutely love Aurilia's game (on and off the field). He hasn't had a very good year with the Mariners (I believe his BA was at .241, 4 homers and 28 RBI), but gettin back to the NL and with a hot team like the Pads may be just what he needed. Plus, I'm happy I'll get to see him play. I'm hopeful in visiting Petco Park this season.
Restaurant Reviews:
Barracuda, Burlingame at 347 Primrose Road (Contemporary Japanese Cuisine) - excellent ambiance, decent prices and excellent portions. I had lunch here on a weekday and it was QUIET! Arrived right at opening time, 11:30 a.m. and was seated immediately and received timely service after placing our orders. It is ALWAYS bustling at dinnertime. Great variety on the menu and I absolutely loved the tasty fried calamari appetizer with a hint of ginger sauce lightly sprinkled atop the entire order. Sushi bar available. Their take-home menu lists their url as www.barracudasushi.com, but I think they're still building it...
Okazu Ya, San Francisco on Taraval (and 28th) (Japanese) - EXCELLENT and timely service, superb customer service, great prices for the portions, extensive "specials" list (from appetizers to dishes). Dinner on a Monday night and it was PACKED. They are closed on Tuesdays, but open at the Noriega location (the Taraval location is supposedly 'better'). The clientele this evening consisted of obvious regulars and locals. Seated immediately. Order taken promptly. Food served fresh and quickly. Glasses of water refilled! (always a plus in my book). I've heard great things about their specials menu, incl. a soft shell crab appetizer, Trout and Chilean Sea Bass dinners. There are a couple of different Okazu Ya's in the city but I'm unclear if their popularity extends beyond SF.
Pho Van, Portland at 1919 SE 82nd and 1012 NW Glisan in the Pearl District (Vietnamese) - One of the things I miss MOST in Portland! Absolutely exquisite menu, including desserts! Their spring rolls are to-die-for. I'm sure I might be able to find a comparable Vietnamese restaurant in the Bay Area, but Pho Van is just one of those places I will be sure to go out of my way to visit when I'm in Portland - just like I would visit Burgerville (during the 'right' season: January - March) for those absolutely yummy Chocolate Hazelnut milkshakes (and don't forget the Cheeseburgers which use authentic local Tillamook Sharp Cheddar)! My perfect day in Portland would include: a Portland Beavers game at PGE Park, Powell's Book Store, Pho Van, Burgerville and sales tax-free shopping baby!
John Miller reports that Arizona Diamondback's "Big Unit" Randy Johnson had mentioned to Giants' Ace Jason Schmidt and Super Barry that "...it would be great to be back in the Bay Area..." Boy, when its a huge rumor like this, I'm very naive and prone to turning it into FACT! Can you imagine the possibilities!?!
Rich Aurilia, released by the AL Seattle Mariners on July 10, was picked up by the San Diego Padres! (Yes, he'll be with the team when they're at SBC Park on Wednesday and Thursday this week!) This is wonderful news cuz I just absolutely love Aurilia's game (on and off the field). He hasn't had a very good year with the Mariners (I believe his BA was at .241, 4 homers and 28 RBI), but gettin back to the NL and with a hot team like the Pads may be just what he needed. Plus, I'm happy I'll get to see him play. I'm hopeful in visiting Petco Park this season.
Restaurant Reviews:
Barracuda, Burlingame at 347 Primrose Road (Contemporary Japanese Cuisine) - excellent ambiance, decent prices and excellent portions. I had lunch here on a weekday and it was QUIET! Arrived right at opening time, 11:30 a.m. and was seated immediately and received timely service after placing our orders. It is ALWAYS bustling at dinnertime. Great variety on the menu and I absolutely loved the tasty fried calamari appetizer with a hint of ginger sauce lightly sprinkled atop the entire order. Sushi bar available. Their take-home menu lists their url as www.barracudasushi.com, but I think they're still building it...
Okazu Ya, San Francisco on Taraval (and 28th) (Japanese) - EXCELLENT and timely service, superb customer service, great prices for the portions, extensive "specials" list (from appetizers to dishes). Dinner on a Monday night and it was PACKED. They are closed on Tuesdays, but open at the Noriega location (the Taraval location is supposedly 'better'). The clientele this evening consisted of obvious regulars and locals. Seated immediately. Order taken promptly. Food served fresh and quickly. Glasses of water refilled! (always a plus in my book). I've heard great things about their specials menu, incl. a soft shell crab appetizer, Trout and Chilean Sea Bass dinners. There are a couple of different Okazu Ya's in the city but I'm unclear if their popularity extends beyond SF.
Pho Van, Portland at 1919 SE 82nd and 1012 NW Glisan in the Pearl District (Vietnamese) - One of the things I miss MOST in Portland! Absolutely exquisite menu, including desserts! Their spring rolls are to-die-for. I'm sure I might be able to find a comparable Vietnamese restaurant in the Bay Area, but Pho Van is just one of those places I will be sure to go out of my way to visit when I'm in Portland - just like I would visit Burgerville (during the 'right' season: January - March) for those absolutely yummy Chocolate Hazelnut milkshakes (and don't forget the Cheeseburgers which use authentic local Tillamook Sharp Cheddar)! My perfect day in Portland would include: a Portland Beavers game at PGE Park, Powell's Book Store, Pho Van, Burgerville and sales tax-free shopping baby!
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