[Leftcoast]

The contrarian OF was banned overnight?  What overnight excitement did I miss?

I would define a contrarian as a thoughtful commentator who swims against the current. Posting material for the sole purpose of stirring the pot is not being a contrarian.

Certainly OF was a pot-stirrer, and I often shook my head at his "takes", but he was also a 13 year member/poster with nearly 10,000 posts. That's 6th most in the Cardboard's all time history.  I'd like to know what happened if one of the mods wants to DM me. 

I believe our mods do a good job in maintaining this place so this isn't criticism. Transparency is important in earning and maintaining that trust, especially when a frequent poster is suddenly banned.  (I was in the front row for the Garvin and Phogge blow-ups, less so for this one).

Our top 10 list is a dangerous place!  Looking at our top 10 poster rankings, three are either banned now or were banned at one time (Phogge, Outsider Fan, Garvin, maybe one other).  Maybe frequent posting leads to strong feelings and less openness to behavior modification? (See table below for the Top 10 and their post #)

Boston Card              27,807
BobK                        16,141
Washingtonismoney   12,700
FullMetal                   11,012
Mick                         10,162
OutsiderFan               9,974
MartyUp                    9,953
Phogge                     9,073
Garvin                      8,383
81alum                     7,545

[Leftcoast]

The contrarian OF was banned overnight?  What overnight excitement did I miss?

I would define a contrarian as a thoughtful commentator who swims against the current. Posting material for the sole purpose of stirring the pot is not being a contrarian.

Certainly OF was a pot-stirrer, and I often shook my head at his "takes", but he was also a 13 year member/poster with nearly 10,000 posts. That's 6th most in the Cardboard's all time history.  I'd like to know what happened if one of the mods wants to DM me. 

I believe our mods do a good job in maintaining this place so this isn't criticism. Transparency is important in earning and maintaining that trust, especially when a frequent poster is suddenly banned.  (I was in the front row for the Garvin and Phogge blow-ups, less so for this one).

Our top 10 list is a dangerous place!  Looking at our top 10 poster rankings, three are either banned now or were banned at one time (Phogge, Outsider Fan, Garvin, maybe one other).  Maybe frequent posting leads to strong feelings and less openness to behavior modification? (See table below for the Top 10 and their post #)

Boston Card              27,807
BobK                        16,141
Washingtonismoney   12,700
FullMetal                   11,012
Mick                         10,162
OutsiderFan               9,974
MartyUp                    9,953
Phogge                     9,073
Garvin                      8,383
81alum                     7,545

[pefloresjr]

The contrarian OF was banned overnight?  What overnight excitement did I miss?

I would define a contrarian as a thoughtful commentator who swims against the current. Posting material for the sole purpose of stirring the pot is not being a contrarian.

Certainly OF was a pot-stirrer, and I often shook my head at his "takes", but he was also a 13 year member/poster with nearly 10,000 posts.  That's 6th most in the Cardboard's all time history.  I'd like to know what happened if one of the mods wants to DM me. 

I believe our mods do a good job in maintaining this place so this isn't criticism. Transparency is important in earning and maintaining that trust, especially when a frequent poster is suddenly banned.  (I was in the front row for the Garvin and Phogge blow-ups, less so for this one).

Our top 10 list is a dangerous place!  Looking at our top 10 poster rankings, three are either banned now or were banned at one time (Phogge, Outsider Fan, Garvin, maybe one other).  Maybe frequent posting leads to strong feelings and less openness to behavior modification?  (See table below for the Top 10 and their post #)

Boston Card              27,807
BobK                        16,141
Washingtonismoney   12,700
FullMetal                   11,012
Mick                         10,162
OutsiderFan               9,974
MartyUp                    9,953
Phogge                     9,073
Garvin                      8,383
81alum                     7,545

I agree that our mods do a good job of keeping the peace when people start getting personal and keeping politics off the board when it tries to push it's divisiveness onto the board.  I trust them and don't need to see their work because it would likely involve private messages and warnings that weren't part of general board knowledge.  Also, it is not unusual for posters to get cooling-off periods, then return and continue as active members of the community.  I hope Outsider Fan falls into this category.  Some others get mad and move on even though they are allowed back if they agree to follow the guidelines.  Some are those are good friends of mine and I miss them on this board but I support the mods' discretion in keeping this one of the most thoughtful places on the internet.  

Cheers,
Pete F.

[pefloresjr]

The contrarian OF was banned overnight?  What overnight excitement did I miss?

I would define a contrarian as a thoughtful commentator who swims against the current. Posting material for the sole purpose of stirring the pot is not being a contrarian.

Certainly OF was a pot-stirrer, and I often shook my head at his "takes", but he was also a 13 year member/poster with nearly 10,000 posts.  That's 6th most in the Cardboard's all time history.  I'd like to know what happened if one of the mods wants to DM me. 

I believe our mods do a good job in maintaining this place so this isn't criticism. Transparency is important in earning and maintaining that trust, especially when a frequent poster is suddenly banned.  (I was in the front row for the Garvin and Phogge blow-ups, less so for this one).

Our top 10 list is a dangerous place!  Looking at our top 10 poster rankings, three are either banned now or were banned at one time (Phogge, Outsider Fan, Garvin, maybe one other).  Maybe frequent posting leads to strong feelings and less openness to behavior modification?  (See table below for the Top 10 and their post #)

Boston Card              27,807
BobK                        16,141
Washingtonismoney   12,700
FullMetal                   11,012
Mick                         10,162
OutsiderFan               9,974
MartyUp                    9,953
Phogge                     9,073
Garvin                      8,383
81alum                     7,545

I agree that our mods do a good job of keeping the peace when people start getting personal and keeping politics off the board when it tries to push it's divisiveness onto the board.  I trust them and don't need to see their work because it would likely involve private messages and warnings that weren't part of general board knowledge.  Also, it is not unusual for posters to get cooling-off periods, then return and continue as active members of the community.  I hope Outsider Fan falls into this category.  Some others get mad and move on even though they are allowed back if they agree to follow the guidelines.  Some are those are good friends of mine and I miss them on this board but I support the mods' discretion in keeping this one of the most thoughtful places on the internet.  

Cheers,
Pete F.

[lex24]

The contrarian OF was banned overnight?  What overnight excitement did I miss?

I would define a contrarian as a thoughtful commentator who swims against the current. Posting material for the sole purpose of stirring the pot is not being a contrarian.

Certainly OF was a pot-stirrer, and I often shook my head at his "takes", but he was also a 13 year member/poster with nearly 10,000 posts.  That's 6th most in the Cardboard's all time history.  I'd like to know what happened if one of the mods wants to DM me. 

I believe our mods do a good job in maintaining this place so this isn't criticism. Transparency is important in earning and maintaining that trust, especially when a frequent poster is suddenly banned.  (I was in the front row for the Garvin and Phogge blow-ups, less so for this one).

Our top 10 list is a dangerous place!  Looking at our top 10 poster rankings, three are either banned now or were banned at one time (Phogge, Outsider Fan, Garvin, maybe one other).  Maybe frequent posting leads to strong feelings and less openness to behavior modification?  (See table below for the Top 10 and their post #)

Boston Card              27,807
BobK                        16,141
Washingtonismoney   12,700
FullMetal                   11,012
Mick                         10,162
OutsiderFan               9,974
MartyUp                    9,953
Phogge                     9,073
Garvin                      8,383
81alum                     7,545

I agree that our mods do a good job of keeping the peace when people start getting personal and keeping politics off the board when it tries to push it's divisiveness onto the board.  I trust them and don't need to see their work because it would likely involve private messages and warnings that weren't part of general board knowledge.  Also, it is not unusual for posters to get cooling-off periods, then return and continue as active members of the community.  I hope Outsider Fan falls into this category.  Some others get mad and move on even though they are allowed back if they agree to follow the guidelines.  Some are those are good friends of mine and I miss them on this board but I support the mods' discretion in keeping this one of the most thoughtful places on the internet.  

Cheers,
Pete F.

Why was he banned?  Where is the offensive post?

---

The Giants schedule is just brutal from now until September:

Red Sox (July), D-Backs, @A's, @Angels, Rangers, Rays, @Braves, @Phillies, Braves, Reds

All these teams but the A's are seriously contending for post season. Giants play 27 games in August. Anyone think they will go better than 11-16? - Outsider Fan, July 29

Such pessimism!  Your post reminded me of the OF post above from the end of July.  Let's look back at what's happened since July 29 against two very good clubs.

Giants-Red Sox:  2 of 3
Giants-D-Backs:  3 of 4

After today's pitching duel ended with a 1-0 Giants win, San Francisco is  5-2 and two series into that "brutal" run with 20 games left to play.  Plus they play the sad-sack A's this weekend.  

The As always play their hardest against their cross town rivals so the next two games could be harder than they appear but I'm still taking the over on OFs dismal 9 win prediction - Way, way over.   Maybe 19-8?  These guys are better than the sum of their parts.  Believe in the chemistry.

It is a brutal stretch. Toughest of the season. I think responded 15-12 at the time.

But the stretch is actually longer than that 27 and those 27 included 4 with hapless A’s. They are 5-2. Should be 7-2 after the weekend.

The 28 after Oak is brutal (all 3 games unless otherwise indicated). Facing teams that hit.

At LA Ohtanis;
Tex
Rays
At Atl
At Philly
Atl
Cincy
At SD for 4
At Cubs.

One positive schedule wise is they have off days on 3 straight Thursdays.

But they have to start hitting. They aren’t going to beat these teams averaging 3 runs.

Good news is, if they come through this still leading WC and within shouting distance of LA, they will be in great shape.

[lex24]

The contrarian OF was banned overnight?  What overnight excitement did I miss?

I would define a contrarian as a thoughtful commentator who swims against the current. Posting material for the sole purpose of stirring the pot is not being a contrarian.

Certainly OF was a pot-stirrer, and I often shook my head at his "takes", but he was also a 13 year member/poster with nearly 10,000 posts.  That's 6th most in the Cardboard's all time history.  I'd like to know what happened if one of the mods wants to DM me. 

I believe our mods do a good job in maintaining this place so this isn't criticism. Transparency is important in earning and maintaining that trust, especially when a frequent poster is suddenly banned.  (I was in the front row for the Garvin and Phogge blow-ups, less so for this one).

Our top 10 list is a dangerous place!  Looking at our top 10 poster rankings, three are either banned now or were banned at one time (Phogge, Outsider Fan, Garvin, maybe one other).  Maybe frequent posting leads to strong feelings and less openness to behavior modification?  (See table below for the Top 10 and their post #)

Boston Card              27,807
BobK                        16,141
Washingtonismoney   12,700
FullMetal                   11,012
Mick                         10,162
OutsiderFan               9,974
MartyUp                    9,953
Phogge                     9,073
Garvin                      8,383
81alum                     7,545

I agree that our mods do a good job of keeping the peace when people start getting personal and keeping politics off the board when it tries to push it's divisiveness onto the board.  I trust them and don't need to see their work because it would likely involve private messages and warnings that weren't part of general board knowledge.  Also, it is not unusual for posters to get cooling-off periods, then return and continue as active members of the community.  I hope Outsider Fan falls into this category.  Some others get mad and move on even though they are allowed back if they agree to follow the guidelines.  Some are those are good friends of mine and I miss them on this board but I support the mods' discretion in keeping this one of the most thoughtful places on the internet.  

Cheers,
Pete F.

Why was he banned?  Where is the offensive post?

---

The Giants schedule is just brutal from now until September:

Red Sox (July), D-Backs, @A's, @Angels, Rangers, Rays, @Braves, @Phillies, Braves, Reds

All these teams but the A's are seriously contending for post season. Giants play 27 games in August. Anyone think they will go better than 11-16? - Outsider Fan, July 29

Such pessimism!  Your post reminded me of the OF post above from the end of July.  Let's look back at what's happened since July 29 against two very good clubs.

Giants-Red Sox:  2 of 3
Giants-D-Backs:  3 of 4

After today's pitching duel ended with a 1-0 Giants win, San Francisco is  5-2 and two series into that "brutal" run with 20 games left to play.  Plus they play the sad-sack A's this weekend.  

The As always play their hardest against their cross town rivals so the next two games could be harder than they appear but I'm still taking the over on OFs dismal 9 win prediction - Way, way over.   Maybe 19-8?  These guys are better than the sum of their parts.  Believe in the chemistry.

It is a brutal stretch. Toughest of the season. I think responded 15-12 at the time.

But the stretch is actually longer than that 27 and those 27 included 4 with hapless A’s. They are 5-2. Should be 7-2 after the weekend.

The 28 after Oak is brutal (all 3 games unless otherwise indicated). Facing teams that hit.

At LA Ohtanis;
Tex
Rays
At Atl
At Philly
Atl
Cincy
At SD for 4
At Cubs.

One positive schedule wise is they have off days on 3 straight Thursdays.

But they have to start hitting. They aren’t going to beat these teams averaging 3 runs.

Good news is, if they come through this still leading WC and within shouting distance of LA, they will be in great shape.

[lex24]

Check out Joe Kelly pitching to Tatis.  (Google it). Come in tight knocks him back.  Next pitch is 100 near Tatis’s head. Then he strike# him out on 100 away.  He then turns his back and you can see him mouth “f—-ng b- - - -h.”  

Pads can’t let that go. Can they?  I know baseball has changed. And (fortunately) beanball wars have generally disappeared.  But there are exceptions.  Melvin has some old school in him.  Stay tuned. It could get interesting.

[lex24]

Check out Joe Kelly pitching to Tatis.  (Google it). Come in tight knocks him back.  Next pitch is 100 near Tatis’s head. Then he strike# him out on 100 away.  He then turns his back and you can see him mouth “f—-ng b- - - -h.”  

Pads can’t let that go. Can they?  I know baseball has changed. And (fortunately) beanball wars have generally disappeared.  But there are exceptions.  Melvin has some old school in him.  Stay tuned. It could get interesting.

[PalmTree]

Check out Joe Kelly pitching to Tatis.  (Google it). Come in tight knocks him back.  Next pitch is 100 near Tatis’s head. Then he strike# him out on 100 away.  He then turns his back and you can see him mouth “f—-ng b- - - -h.”  

Pads can’t let that go. Can they?  I know baseball has changed. And (fortunately) beanball wars have generally disappeared.  But there are exceptions.  Melvin has some old school in him.  Stay tuned. It could get interesting.

Exact same as Chris Hernandez's little love ditty to Jordan Farmar in a game at Maples - chuckles galore ensued from the peanut gallery.....

[PalmTree]

Check out Joe Kelly pitching to Tatis.  (Google it). Come in tight knocks him back.  Next pitch is 100 near Tatis’s head. Then he strike# him out on 100 away.  He then turns his back and you can see him mouth “f—-ng b- - - -h.”  

Pads can’t let that go. Can they?  I know baseball has changed. And (fortunately) beanball wars have generally disappeared.  But there are exceptions.  Melvin has some old school in him.  Stay tuned. It could get interesting.

Exact same as Chris Hernandez's little love ditty to Jordan Farmar in a game at Maples - chuckles galore ensued from the peanut gallery.....

[lex24]

Check out Joe Kelly pitching to Tatis.  (Google it). Come in tight knocks him back.  Next pitch is 100 near Tatis’s head. Then he strike# him out on 100 away.  He then turns his back and you can see him mouth “f—-ng b- - - -h.”  

Pads can’t let that go. Can they?  I know baseball has changed. And (fortunately) beanball wars have generally disappeared.  But there are exceptions.  Melvin has some old school in him.  Stay tuned. It could get interesting.

Exact same as Chris Hernandez's little love ditty to Jordan Farmar in a game at Maples - chuckles galore ensued from the peanut gallery.....

Hernandez didn’t low bridge him.

[lex24]

Check out Joe Kelly pitching to Tatis.  (Google it). Come in tight knocks him back.  Next pitch is 100 near Tatis’s head. Then he strike# him out on 100 away.  He then turns his back and you can see him mouth “f—-ng b- - - -h.”  

Pads can’t let that go. Can they?  I know baseball has changed. And (fortunately) beanball wars have generally disappeared.  But there are exceptions.  Melvin has some old school in him.  Stay tuned. It could get interesting.

Exact same as Chris Hernandez's little love ditty to Jordan Farmar in a game at Maples - chuckles galore ensued from the peanut gallery.....

Hernandez didn’t low bridge him.

[Mick]

Odd stat of the day: when the score is 0-0 after three innings, the Giants are 16-8 this season.

[Mick]

Odd stat of the day: when the score is 0-0 after three innings, the Giants are 16-8 this season.

[Giants]

Odd stat of the day: when the score is 0-0 after three innings, the Giants are 16-8 this season.

Similar to when SF uses an opener (I believe they are 15-5).

[Giants]

Odd stat of the day: when the score is 0-0 after three innings, the Giants are 16-8 this season.

Similar to when SF uses an opener (I believe they are 15-5).

[Mick]

Odd stat of the day: when the score is 0-0 after three innings, the Giants are 16-8 this season.

Similar to when SF uses an opener (I believe they are 15-5).

Also, they are 5-45 when trailing after 8 innings. Unlike tonight, when they scored six in the ninth. 11 hits overall, Bailey, Estrada, Flores, Davis all had two hits. Slater had an uncharacteristically difficult time at the plate, striking out twice in three trips to the plate. Taylor Rogers got the win, he's 6-4. Incidentally, the twin Rogers brothers have ERAs of 2.52 and 2.54.

[Mick]

Odd stat of the day: when the score is 0-0 after three innings, the Giants are 16-8 this season.

Similar to when SF uses an opener (I believe they are 15-5).

Also, they are 5-45 when trailing after 8 innings. Unlike tonight, when they scored six in the ninth. 11 hits overall, Bailey, Estrada, Flores, Davis all had two hits. Slater had an uncharacteristically difficult time at the plate, striking out twice in three trips to the plate. Taylor Rogers got the win, he's 6-4. Incidentally, the twin Rogers brothers have ERAs of 2.52 and 2.54.

[lex24]

Odd stat of the day: when the score is 0-0 after three innings, the Giants are 16-8 this season.

Similar to when SF uses an opener (I believe they are 15-5).

Also, they are 5-45 when trailing after 8 innings. Unlike tonight, when they scored six in the ninth. 11 hits overall, Bailey, Estrada, Flores, Davis all had two hits. Slater had an uncharacteristically difficult time at the plate, striking out twice in three trips to the plate. Taylor Rogers got the win, he's 6-4. Incidentally, the twin Rogers brothers have ERAs of 2.52 and 2.54.

Slater swung and missed 8 straight times. Not sure I’ve seen that since Ron Herbel….

Since end of June he is 7-55.  Big time funk.  He will break out of it.  Hopefully soon.

[lex24]

Odd stat of the day: when the score is 0-0 after three innings, the Giants are 16-8 this season.

Similar to when SF uses an opener (I believe they are 15-5).

Also, they are 5-45 when trailing after 8 innings. Unlike tonight, when they scored six in the ninth. 11 hits overall, Bailey, Estrada, Flores, Davis all had two hits. Slater had an uncharacteristically difficult time at the plate, striking out twice in three trips to the plate. Taylor Rogers got the win, he's 6-4. Incidentally, the twin Rogers brothers have ERAs of 2.52 and 2.54.

Slater swung and missed 8 straight times. Not sure I’ve seen that since Ron Herbel….

Since end of June he is 7-55.  Big time funk.  He will break out of it.  Hopefully soon.

[Mick]

Odd stat of the day: when the score is 0-0 after three innings, the Giants are 16-8 this season.

Similar to when SF uses an opener (I believe they are 15-5).

Also, they are 5-45 when trailing after 8 innings. Unlike tonight, when they scored six in the ninth. 11 hits overall, Bailey, Estrada, Flores, Davis all had two hits. Slater had an uncharacteristically difficult time at the plate, striking out twice in three trips to the plate. Taylor Rogers got the win, he's 6-4. Incidentally, the twin Rogers brothers have ERAs of 2.52 and 2.54.

Slater swung and missed 8 straight times. Not sure I’ve seen that since Ron Herbel….

Since end of June he is 7-55.  Big time funk.  He will break out of it.  Hopefully soon.

I think the whole team is in a batting funk, and has been since the first third of the season. And I think part of the issue is that the SFG hitting philosophy is simple and effective, but our opponents pitching strategy to address the SFG hitting philosophy is fairly simple to design and effective in its execution.

See if this makes sense: the basic batting philosophy for SFGiants hitters is:

 - Swing solely at the pitches that the specific hitter can destroy
 - Look at a lot of pitches to get the starters out of the game
 - Try to get hits, and if the pitcher makes a great pitch and strikes you out, that's just the cost of doing batting business. 

In other words, the SFG hitting philosophy means that hitters don't protect the plate as much or as well as the hitters of a generation ago.

Assuming the basic SFG hitting philosophy is true, and other teams are aware if it, then the most logical response from the other team's pitchers/managers/pitching coaches would be to:

 - NEVER pitch to a specific SFG hitter's happy zone -- basically, avoid it at all costs. Ditto the kinds of pitches that the hitter likes; e.g., if Casey Schmitt can crush fastballs but can't really handle any off-speed pitches, then give him nothing but off-speed.

 - Mix up speeds and types of pitches more than usual.

 - If you miss, still try to hit the strike zone, but in the area where the hitter has the lowest odds of success.

In the most basic terms, our opponents have adjusted to our strategy, and our hitters have not counter-adjusted. Perhaps that's oversimplifying the case, but it seems to me that is what's happening.

[Mick]

Odd stat of the day: when the score is 0-0 after three innings, the Giants are 16-8 this season.

Similar to when SF uses an opener (I believe they are 15-5).

Also, they are 5-45 when trailing after 8 innings. Unlike tonight, when they scored six in the ninth. 11 hits overall, Bailey, Estrada, Flores, Davis all had two hits. Slater had an uncharacteristically difficult time at the plate, striking out twice in three trips to the plate. Taylor Rogers got the win, he's 6-4. Incidentally, the twin Rogers brothers have ERAs of 2.52 and 2.54.

Slater swung and missed 8 straight times. Not sure I’ve seen that since Ron Herbel….

Since end of June he is 7-55.  Big time funk.  He will break out of it.  Hopefully soon.

I think the whole team is in a batting funk, and has been since the first third of the season. And I think part of the issue is that the SFG hitting philosophy is simple and effective, but our opponents pitching strategy to address the SFG hitting philosophy is fairly simple to design and effective in its execution.

See if this makes sense: the basic batting philosophy for SFGiants hitters is:

 - Swing solely at the pitches that the specific hitter can destroy
 - Look at a lot of pitches to get the starters out of the game
 - Try to get hits, and if the pitcher makes a great pitch and strikes you out, that's just the cost of doing batting business. 

In other words, the SFG hitting philosophy means that hitters don't protect the plate as much or as well as the hitters of a generation ago.

Assuming the basic SFG hitting philosophy is true, and other teams are aware if it, then the most logical response from the other team's pitchers/managers/pitching coaches would be to:

 - NEVER pitch to a specific SFG hitter's happy zone -- basically, avoid it at all costs. Ditto the kinds of pitches that the hitter likes; e.g., if Casey Schmitt can crush fastballs but can't really handle any off-speed pitches, then give him nothing but off-speed.

 - Mix up speeds and types of pitches more than usual.

 - If you miss, still try to hit the strike zone, but in the area where the hitter has the lowest odds of success.

In the most basic terms, our opponents have adjusted to our strategy, and our hitters have not counter-adjusted. Perhaps that's oversimplifying the case, but it seems to me that is what's happening.

[lex24]

Odd stat of the day: when the score is 0-0 after three innings, the Giants are 16-8 this season.

Similar to when SF uses an opener (I believe they are 15-5).

Also, they are 5-45 when trailing after 8 innings. Unlike tonight, when they scored six in the ninth. 11 hits overall, Bailey, Estrada, Flores, Davis all had two hits. Slater had an uncharacteristically difficult time at the plate, striking out twice in three trips to the plate. Taylor Rogers got the win, he's 6-4. Incidentally, the twin Rogers brothers have ERAs of 2.52 and 2.54.

Slater swung and missed 8 straight times. Not sure I’ve seen that since Ron Herbel….

Since end of June he is 7-55.  Big time funk.  He will break out of it.  Hopefully soon.

I think the whole team is in a batting funk, and has been since the first third of the season. And I think part of the issue is that the SFG hitting philosophy is simple and effective, but our opponents pitching strategy to address the SFG hitting philosophy is fairly simple to design and effective in its execution.

See if this makes sense: the basic batting philosophy for SFGiants hitters is:

 - Swing solely at the pitches that the specific hitter can destroy
 - Look at a lot of pitches to get the starters out of the game
 - Try to get hits, and if the pitcher makes a great pitch and strikes you out, that's just the cost of doing batting business. 

In other words, the SFG hitting philosophy means that hitters don't protect the plate as much or as well as the hitters of a generation ago.

Assuming the basic SFG hitting philosophy is true, and other teams are aware if it, then the most logical response from the other team's pitchers/managers/pitching coaches would be to:

 - NEVER pitch to a specific SFG hitter's happy zone -- basically, avoid it at all costs. Ditto the kinds of pitches that the hitter likes; e.g., if Casey Schmitt can crush fastballs but can't really handle any off-speed pitches, then give him nothing but off-speed.

 - Mix up speeds and types of pitches more than usual.

 - If you miss, still try to hit the strike zone, but in the area where the hitter has the lowest odds of success.

In the most basic terms, our opponents have adjusted to our strategy, and our hitters have not counter-adjusted. Perhaps that's oversimplifying the case, but it seems to me that is what's happening.

Simpler - attack the zone. Early and often. Don’t nibble.  If you avoid walks, this offense won’t beat you.

[lex24]

Odd stat of the day: when the score is 0-0 after three innings, the Giants are 16-8 this season.

Similar to when SF uses an opener (I believe they are 15-5).

Also, they are 5-45 when trailing after 8 innings. Unlike tonight, when they scored six in the ninth. 11 hits overall, Bailey, Estrada, Flores, Davis all had two hits. Slater had an uncharacteristically difficult time at the plate, striking out twice in three trips to the plate. Taylor Rogers got the win, he's 6-4. Incidentally, the twin Rogers brothers have ERAs of 2.52 and 2.54.

Slater swung and missed 8 straight times. Not sure I’ve seen that since Ron Herbel….

Since end of June he is 7-55.  Big time funk.  He will break out of it.  Hopefully soon.

I think the whole team is in a batting funk, and has been since the first third of the season. And I think part of the issue is that the SFG hitting philosophy is simple and effective, but our opponents pitching strategy to address the SFG hitting philosophy is fairly simple to design and effective in its execution.

See if this makes sense: the basic batting philosophy for SFGiants hitters is:

 - Swing solely at the pitches that the specific hitter can destroy
 - Look at a lot of pitches to get the starters out of the game
 - Try to get hits, and if the pitcher makes a great pitch and strikes you out, that's just the cost of doing batting business. 

In other words, the SFG hitting philosophy means that hitters don't protect the plate as much or as well as the hitters of a generation ago.

Assuming the basic SFG hitting philosophy is true, and other teams are aware if it, then the most logical response from the other team's pitchers/managers/pitching coaches would be to:

 - NEVER pitch to a specific SFG hitter's happy zone -- basically, avoid it at all costs. Ditto the kinds of pitches that the hitter likes; e.g., if Casey Schmitt can crush fastballs but can't really handle any off-speed pitches, then give him nothing but off-speed.

 - Mix up speeds and types of pitches more than usual.

 - If you miss, still try to hit the strike zone, but in the area where the hitter has the lowest odds of success.

In the most basic terms, our opponents have adjusted to our strategy, and our hitters have not counter-adjusted. Perhaps that's oversimplifying the case, but it seems to me that is what's happening.

Simpler - attack the zone. Early and often. Don’t nibble.  If you avoid walks, this offense won’t beat you.

[Leftcoast]

They are 62-52 so some teams didn’t get the memo.

Who had them ahead of the Padres and in contention with the Dodgers for the NL West on Opening Day?

[Leftcoast]

They are 62-52 so some teams didn’t get the memo.

Who had them ahead of the Padres and in contention with the Dodgers for the NL West on Opening Day?

[lex24]

They are 62-52 so some teams didn’t get the memo.

Who had them ahead of the Padres and in contention with the Dodgers for the NL West on Opening Day?

What memo?  They’ve been carried by good pitching and defense. Hitting needs to come around.  If it doesn’t, they are going to sink like a rock.

[lex24]

They are 62-52 so some teams didn’t get the memo.

Who had them ahead of the Padres and in contention with the Dodgers for the NL West on Opening Day?

What memo?  They’ve been carried by good pitching and defense. Hitting needs to come around.  If it doesn’t, they are going to sink like a rock.

[old spanish trail]

So glad the Gyros beat out all other bidders for Pollock. What a great trade. Oooops injured. We'll miss his .170 batting average. So, is Slater still limping. Pollock is Slater without the good recent history. Unless he's injured Slater should be playing more. It's hard to stay sharp with so few appearances.

[old spanish trail]

So glad the Gyros beat out all other bidders for Pollock. What a great trade. Oooops injured. We'll miss his .170 batting average. So, is Slater still limping. Pollock is Slater without the good recent history. Unless he's injured Slater should be playing more. It's hard to stay sharp with so few appearances.

[lex24]

So glad the Gyros beat out all other bidders for Pollock. What a great trade. Oooops injured. We'll miss his .170 batting average. So, is Slater still limping. Pollock is Slater without the good recent history. Unless he's injured Slater should be playing more. It's hard to stay sharp with so few appearances.

Slater is the ultimate platoon weapon.  But Giants haven’t seen a lot of lefties lately.  He’s also had leg issues all year. Unfortunately , he’s hurt a lot.  Also, he’s in a 7-58 funk right now.

[lex24]

So glad the Gyros beat out all other bidders for Pollock. What a great trade. Oooops injured. We'll miss his .170 batting average. So, is Slater still limping. Pollock is Slater without the good recent history. Unless he's injured Slater should be playing more. It's hard to stay sharp with so few appearances.

Slater is the ultimate platoon weapon.  But Giants haven’t seen a lot of lefties lately.  He’s also had leg issues all year. Unfortunately , he’s hurt a lot.  Also, he’s in a 7-58 funk right now.

[Mick]

So glad the Gyros beat out all other bidders for Pollock. What a great trade. Oooops injured. We'll miss his .170 batting average. So, is Slater still limping. Pollock is Slater without the good recent history. Unless he's injured Slater should be playing more. It's hard to stay sharp with so few appearances.

Slater is the ultimate platoon weapon.  But Giants haven’t seen a lot of lefties lately.  He’s also had leg issues all year. Unfortunately , he’s hurt a lot.  Also, he’s in a 7-58 funk right now.

This is behind The Athletic's firewall, but it's Grant Brisbee's take on the hitting travails faced by each individual Giant. Some very interesting takes. Covers Pederson, Yaz, Slater, Wade, Davis, Flores, Bailey, Matos, Crawford, Conforto. Compares high water mark with slump statistics. Different for each hitter. One of the few sports articles I've ever read twice. If you've been considering a subscription and you're a Giants fan, this is a good one:

Why Giants hitters have been struggling: A hitter-by-hitter analysis - The Athletic

[Mick]

So glad the Gyros beat out all other bidders for Pollock. What a great trade. Oooops injured. We'll miss his .170 batting average. So, is Slater still limping. Pollock is Slater without the good recent history. Unless he's injured Slater should be playing more. It's hard to stay sharp with so few appearances.

Slater is the ultimate platoon weapon.  But Giants haven’t seen a lot of lefties lately.  He’s also had leg issues all year. Unfortunately , he’s hurt a lot.  Also, he’s in a 7-58 funk right now.

This is behind The Athletic's firewall, but it's Grant Brisbee's take on the hitting travails faced by each individual Giant. Some very interesting takes. Covers Pederson, Yaz, Slater, Wade, Davis, Flores, Bailey, Matos, Crawford, Conforto. Compares high water mark with slump statistics. Different for each hitter. One of the few sports articles I've ever read twice. If you've been considering a subscription and you're a Giants fan, this is a good one:

Why Giants hitters have been struggling: A hitter-by-hitter analysis - The Athletic

[Giants]

So glad the Gyros beat out all other bidders for Pollock. What a great trade. Oooops injured. We'll miss his .170 batting average. So, is Slater still limping. Pollock is Slater without the good recent history. Unless he's injured Slater should be playing more. It's hard to stay sharp with so few appearances.

Given the Giants gave up nothing for Pollock and Mathias, it was a worthwhile flyer.  Nothing gained, nothing lost.

[Giants]

So glad the Gyros beat out all other bidders for Pollock. What a great trade. Oooops injured. We'll miss his .170 batting average. So, is Slater still limping. Pollock is Slater without the good recent history. Unless he's injured Slater should be playing more. It's hard to stay sharp with so few appearances.

Given the Giants gave up nothing for Pollock and Mathias, it was a worthwhile flyer.  Nothing gained, nothing lost.

[lex24]

So glad the Gyros beat out all other bidders for Pollock. What a great trade. Oooops injured. We'll miss his .170 batting average. So, is Slater still limping. Pollock is Slater without the good recent history. Unless he's injured Slater should be playing more. It's hard to stay sharp with so few appearances.

Given the Giants gave up nothing for Pollock and Mathias, it was a worthwhile flyer.  Nothing gained, nothing lost.

Unless they are worth less than nothing….

Here are some numbers. Last 39 games. Essentially a quarter of the season

Team BA .204. Last. Next worse .222
OBP. .284. Last. Next worse .293
SLG. .322 Last. Next worse. 356

Conforto since June 9. 1 HR. .289 SLG.

Bleak.

[lex24]

So glad the Gyros beat out all other bidders for Pollock. What a great trade. Oooops injured. We'll miss his .170 batting average. So, is Slater still limping. Pollock is Slater without the good recent history. Unless he's injured Slater should be playing more. It's hard to stay sharp with so few appearances.

Given the Giants gave up nothing for Pollock and Mathias, it was a worthwhile flyer.  Nothing gained, nothing lost.

Unless they are worth less than nothing….

Here are some numbers. Last 39 games. Essentially a quarter of the season

Team BA .204. Last. Next worse .222
OBP. .284. Last. Next worse .293
SLG. .322 Last. Next worse. 356

Conforto since June 9. 1 HR. .289 SLG.

Bleak.

[OutsiderFan]

Anyone want to change their Giants record prediction for August?

I'm going out on a limb and sticking with my 11-16.

[OutsiderFan]

Anyone want to change their Giants record prediction for August?

I'm going out on a limb and sticking with my 11-16.