April 2010
14 posts
Game 28 - Dodgers - Glendale
I had a good hour long entry about all that happened in today’s game…it got deleted when my internet hosed up. I love technology. The draft was apparently corrupted as well, so I got nothing now. Hence, abbreviated Diamond Notes…
Diamond Notes:
- Giants roll today to the tune of 6-2 over the hated Dodgers at Camelback Ranch. I don’t know what’s better getting on a...
March 2010
40 posts
Game 27 - Cubs - Scottsdale
Giants fall 5-3 to the Cubs in the last ST game at Scottsdale Stadium for about a year.
I have to edit photos for some players tonight, so there will be no Diamond Notes for this game. In a nutshell, the game was a close one until Guillermo Mota relieved Dan Runzler in the 8th to give up the GW run.
There is one game left tomorrow at Camelback Ranch against the “Hated Ones.” I am...
Game 26 - Brewers - Maryvale
Giants win 8-6 as Jonathan Sanchez has a great outing to end his Cactus League campaign.
Diamond Notes:
- Today’s lineup was more a travel squad, with only Rowand and Schierholtz/Bowker as the probable starting position players in the field.
It was interesting though as Eugenio, Nate, and John were hitting 2, 3, and 4 in the order and playing the corner outfield positions.
Not that it is...
Spring Training coming to an end - Coverage goes...
Good Morning Everyone,
There are only 3 games remaining in the Cactus league schedule and only 1 home game left. It’s been a long spring but great to have Giants baseball everyday.
This is more of a pre-emptive post to remind you that this site wasn’t created only for MLB Spring Training. In fact I have been covering the Giants out here since last summer during Rookie league and Fall...
Game 25 - Padres - Scottsdale
A 2 game losing streak is such a disappointment right now. We have been spoiled with the Giants Cactus League record so far and when they get shut out by the Padres it makes the loss magnified.
Diamond Notes (quick):
- Before the game begins there is always a zoo of people leaning over the dugout to get anyone to sign something for them. It’s a little much at times as you get...
Game 24b - Intrasquad - Fresno V. Richmond &...
Matt Cain was held out of the game against the division rival Padres in order to face his teammate Brandon Medders and the AA squad at Indian School Park.
Hank and Baggs were on hand watching the game and I’m sure they will have more detailed information on what happened.
I was jumping around from both fields trying to get shots so I wasn’t able to keep score or even see how players...
Game 24 - Angels - Tempe
Gallery Only as this game as televised.
CLICK HERE for full gallery.
Game 24 Delayed + OD Roster Article
I literally just got home and am beat down tired. I don’t have the energy to sit and correct a set of photos for you tonight.
That said, I’ll make up for it tomorrow with a set from today’s loss to the Angels, some shots from MiLB camp (possible Matt Cain start), and shots from the last Sunday home game at Scottsdale Stadium with 5th starter hopeful Kevin Pucetas on the hill.
...
Game 23 - Angels - Scottsdale
Thanks to timely hitting, the Giants fight back and take this game 5-3 in the bottom of the 8th. Posey and Holm with the big knocks to get the W for Affeldt.
No Diamond Notes today as close friends are in town, which means tomorrow’s post will also be delayed. No worries though as you can still check out the images!
CLICK HERE for full gallery.
MiLB ST - Low/Hi A vs. Athletics - ISP
I tweeted earlier that I was taking the night off because the MLB game was on TV. I was there, I just didn’t take any photos since you could have watched it and since it was a night game.
I did however stop by ISP during the day to snap some photos of the games versus the A’s. Check them out.
CLICK HERE for full gallery.
Game 21 - Royals - Surprise
Giants get the 7-0 shut out behind great pitching performances and 7RBI from John Bowker.
Diamond Notes:
- The story of the day is definitely John Bowker. 2 bombs (1 GS) and a 2B for 7 RBI on the night. Baggs had mentioned it in a tweet, but it’s safe to say that John is most grateful they made this game up.
He now leads the MLB in RBI and quite possibly put himself in the lead for...
Game 20 - Reds - Goodyear
Giants fall 10-3 to the Reds in game 1 of the day/night double header.
Diamond Notes:
- Jonathan Sanchez had his longest outing of the Spring going 6.1 IP. He kept the walks down and only allowed 1ER. This is the Sanchez we need to see more often. We were losing when he was lifted, but Renteria hit a solo shot to tie the game at 3 in the top of the 8th.
- The usually trusty relievers were all...
Game 19 - White Sox - Glendale
Matt Cain was back to regular season form today as he shut down the White Sox. Giants roll 6-1.
Diamond Notes:
- If you can believe it, rain was in the forecast again today. In fact, it was good thing this game was in the West Valley as the MiLB games got cancelled due to the morning rain. This also meant no BP, but the team did take infield practice.
- A couple of observations from infield,...
Game 18 - Rangers - Scottsdale
Giants come from behind thanks to the late inning heroics of Darren Ford to win this one 5-4. Darren is playing like he should either jump a level and go to AAA or quite honestly be on the 25 man. He is a stealing machine, a doubles and triples hitter, and has the range in outfield. If it was between Velez and Ford, I think Darren has the edge in my book. I gotta give props when props are due, and...
Game 17b - Grizzlies V Squirrels + Intrasquad -...
I was tempted to make the trip to Tucson with my wife to experience Spring Training for the first and last time down there…so glad I didn’t.
Today had so many great players to photograph it was literally hard to take a bad photo. About 1000 shots when it was all said and done, split among 2 games That showcased some of the best talent on the farm.
Diamond Notes:
- Tim Lincecum and...
Game 17 - Reds - Scottsdale
Shutouts are sweet. A great all around game from the Giants today, from getting on the board early to maintaining the solid pitching, none of the relivers surrendered a hit after Wellemeyer left the game.
This game was televised back home and because of that I won’t throw in any Diamond Notes.
Not a huge gallery of photos because I was testing some equipment and also because I just...
Lincecum Contest Winner
Okay everyone, I have selected a winner of the Lincecum Canvas print. The winner is Mike Heimowitz of Castro Valley, CA.
The correct response to the altered photo is Kevin Pucetas_0591, the RF distance marker is missing the number “3” making it 45’ to the foul pole.
I also ended up accepting the answer, “There is no ‘I’ in ‘Giants” on Juan...
Game 16 - Indians - Scottsdale
Payback comes in pairs as the Giants defeat the Cleveland Indians to split the Cactus league series. For those that are keeping track, this win puts us 1 game up on the Indians for first place in the CL standings. Hey, first place is first place.
Diamond Notes:
- Jonathan Sanchez got the start today and went 4IP allowing 3ER on 4H and 2BBs with 3K’s. Again, this start wasn’t the...
Game 15b - Low/Adv A Angels - Indian School Park
Today was an off day on the schedule, but not for specific players. Matt Cain, Travis Ishikawa, and Eli Whiteside suited up to play the Adv A Angels this afternoon at Indian School Park.
Diamond Notes:
- Matt threw 6 innings today, which is the longest by any starter thus far. He was looking pretty good today, 3-4H (Depending on error scoring), BB, 2R, 1ER, 1HR, and 5Ks. That’s all...
Game 15 - Athletics - Phoenix
Happy St. Patricks Day everyone! How fitting is it to play the A’s on March 17th? As it turns out, the luck O’ the Irish was on the Giants side today as we return the favor and roll 6-1. I guess you could say we gave them another reason to drink a pint, as if they needed one.
Diamond Notes:
- I’ll get to the awesome that was today’s game in a second but…Phoenix Muni...
WWWTP? Contest
Today’s contest is “What’s Wrong with This Photo?”
As you know, Baseball photography can be tricky when shooting in a crowded section. People beside you, big hair, “stretchers,” people with small bladders, players heads etc.
What you may not know is that I have to then go back and fix a shot if I really like it but it has a visual blemish. I have to do it...
Game 14 - Indians - Goodyear
Cleveland just seemed to get clutch hit today as the Giants fall 7-1 in Goodyear. This game was also televised so I’ll try to keep the notes short again.
Diamond Notes:
- Tim Lincecum looked a lot better today even though he got tagged for 4 runs. The line is very similar to Bumgarner’s yesterday, with almost every stat being the number 4. I think Tim was a victim of an inconsistent...
Game 13 - Rangers - Surprise
Oh how I love games in Surprise. Most people hate driving to the Stadium. I do too, that’s why I walk a whole 5 minutes to get to the yard. It’s 9:30pm and I’m already home chowing down on some mad leftover eats from Oregano’s (Props to Eric and Darcy Smith for the “Pan” recommendation). Enough about me, Giants roll 8-5.
No Diamond Notes today as the game was...
MiLB Work Out - Day 8
In order to supplement today’s short coverage, I put together a small set from yesterday’s work out. The big news is the arrival of Pablo’s brother, Michael Sandoval, in to camp. Here are the first shots of him practicing in a Giants uniform.
CLICK PHOTO for gallery
Game 12 - Brewers - Scottsdale
Giants found the long ball today but it wasn’t enough as they fall 10-8 to the Brewers. I didn’t stay for the whole game today so the diamond notes will be short.
Diamond Notes:
- Jonathan Sanchez just can’t seem to have great outings back to back even in Spring Training. As I said on Wednesday, I am a huge Sanchez supporter, but he needs to help me out every once and awhile....
Game 10 - Athletics - Scottsdale
It was a rough day all around at Scottsdale Stadium as the Giants fall to the A’s 8-7. On the bright side, the SS in Peoria won their game 8-4 as Pucetas kept rolling with his 0ERA.
Diamond Notes:
- Matt Cain had a bad outing, but it was only magnified even more by horrible fielding, and ducksnort bloops of hits. I would probably need to use both hands to count how many little dunkers the...
Game 9 - Mariners - Scottsdale
The Giants suffered their first loss at home today, as the Mariners got revenge for the Cactus League Opener. Tons of great shots today, and some cool stories as well.
Diamond Notes:
- Tim Lincecum had another rough outing as he was pulled after 2 2/3IP. In Spring Training, you know you are getting tagged if the bullpen gets a call before you can complete the inning. Although he got lit up...
Game 8 - Cubs - Mesa
The Giants continue to roll as they take this game 5-1 at Hohokam Park. Obviously, The Panda’s grand slam will be at the top of most of the headlines, but the real story today is Jonathan Sanchez.
Diamond Notes:
- Sanchy came back sharp in his second start of Spring Training going 3IP, 3H, and 5K’s. The fastball was popping, and the breaking stuff was locating. He also picked off a...
Game 7 - White Sox - Scottsdale
This was a very interesting game. In fact, I’ve never experienced a Spring Training game quite like this one.
Everyone knew there was rain in the forecast, but I don’t think knew how much. About an hour before game time, it started pouring rain along with high gusts of wind. I thought the game was going to get cancelled, as it didn’t look like the skies were going to clear and...
DAY 3 - MiLB Workouts
No recap today, just a gallery. I’m so tired… Check out Jason Stoffel’s new “cookie duster” though.
CLICK PHOTO for full gallery
GAME 6 - Dodgers - Scottsdale
You gotta love these kids! Remember that slogan from the 80’s. Well, it was the kids that got it done today. Nothing like an extra inning walk off against the hated Dodgers by, the King of Clutch, Ryan Rohlinger.
I totally dug this game. Perfect weather, perfect lighting for photography, great baseball, and of course the Giants come out on top.
Diamond Notes:
- I’m going to keep the...
DAY 1 - MiLB Spring Training
Who said there isn’t any Giants Baseball today? Just because the MLB game got rained out, doesn’t mean I’m going to leave you hanging on a Sunday.
I had the opportunity to snap some shots during the beginning of Day 1 of MiLB work outs.
The plan from here on out is I will mostly be at ISP (Indian School Park) in the mornings of home games, and then head to Scottsdale Stadium to...
Game 4 - DBacks - Scottsdale
I don’t mean to pat myself on the back, but if you stayed for the whole game today you would have seen the best double play of spring, Crawford going yard, Buster at 1B, Neal’s diving catch, and oh yeah, Bumgarner taking some hacks. I’ll explain all this and more in the notes…
Diamond Notes:
- Today’s game was a split squad with the other team getting schooled by...
GAME 3 - Rockies - Scottsdale
Some days you got it, some days you don’t. Today was one of those days. I’m talking about being focused at the right place, at the right time. There were some very cool plays today, but I was either focused on something else or I was in the wrong position to get the shot. None the less, another Giants victory in the books, err, imaginary books.
Diamond Notes:
- Today I am going to...
Q & A with Ehire Adrianza
A player to watch this spring is shortstop phenom Ehire Adrianza. I got the chance to see him live during instructs this year and his defense is really impressive. Quick on his feet, very accurate arm, and a great range has helped boost his visibility in the Giants system and the league as a whole. A friend of mine, who writes for Baseball America, personally likes him as one of the top 2 SS...
Game 2 - Brewers - Scottsdale
2-0 in the Cactus league feels real good, even if the games don’t mean anything.
Yesterday we had a lead and lost it. Today, we rallied back from being down 3 runs to win it. These kind of games are so much better than 11-1 beat downs during Spring, you actually get to pay close attention for a full 9.
Diamond Notes:
- Well, we knew it was going to happen sometime and Barry Zito got the...
Game 1 - Mariners - Peoria
Baseball came back in a big way, an extra inning marathon in Peoria.
Diamond Notes:
- Our Franchise, Tim Lincecum, took the hill in the Cactus League opener today. He only went 1IP as you will see in the box score. The command wasn’t there today for Tim, as he was leaving balls up and not hitting the strike zone. You could tell something may have been a little off even from his warm up...
WOODJOCK 2010 - March 11th - 7pm
This entry is for those visiting Scottsdale for Spring Training next week and are looking for something do that will both benefit some great charities and allow you to hang with a lot of Giants players outside the Stadium.
Woodjock 2010 is the brain child of Chicago White Sox pitcher Jake Peavy. It is a night of music located at The Venue in Old Town Scottsdale. I linked to their website...
Photo Use Info + Updates
Happy last day without Giants baseball everyone. I’d say “enjoy it,” but unsure if that’s the right encouragement ;) I’m certain we’ll all be happier tomorrow at 1:05pm MST.
- We will actually have a couple posts later today, including a quick write up on an upcoming benefit concert in Scottsdale showcasing Tim Flannery, Barry Zito, Aubrey Huff, and Brandon...
03.01.10 - Full Squad Practice (Intrasquad Game)
This is the last day of practice before the 2010 Cactus League season officially begins on Wednesday against the Mariners. I didn’t take a lot of pictures today, was more interested in watching the game than anything. Even though the game was for “fun,” it was great to see baseball without a cage, screens, tarps, fungos, and a thousand balls being thrown around at the same time.
...