Ryan Vogelsong, From Castoff to All-Star

If you're looking for the perfect comeback story, look no further than Giants pitcher Ryan Vogelsong. To begin the season, the Giants knew they had a cast of All-Star quality pitchers. What they didn't know was Vogelsong would soon be one of them. Since being drafted by San Francisco in the 5th round of the 1998 Major League Draft, the soon-to-be 34 year old right-hander has overcome just about every hardship in the book. After making his debut with the Giants in 2000 as a September call-up, Vogelsong was packaged a year later to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for Jason Schmidt among others. Though the deal worked in favor of the Giants who saw Schmidt blossom into a 3-time All-Star, Vogelsong would appear to be on a downward spiral after needing Tommy John Surgery just two starts into his campaign with the Pirates, keeping him out of the bigs until the end of the 2003 season.

Vogelsong would continue to struggle at the Major League level, causing him to pursue his baseball career elsewhere in Japan where he spent three seasons from 2007-2009 before stints in the Minors for the Phillies and Angels. While being hung out to dry on the free-agent market, general manager Brian Sabean of the defending World Series Champion Giants signed Vogelsong to a Minor League deal with an invite to Spring Training where he impressed skipper Bruce Bochy, but was left off the Opening Day roster due to a crowded pitching staff. However, Vogelsong would get his chance less than a month into the season, when Bochy saw his number 4 starter in Barry Zito fall to injury, resulting in a call up which saw Vogelsong fill the void of the former Cy Young Award winner. Little did he know Vogelsong would pitch his way into the rotation for good, despite being four years removed from his last start in the big leagues.

With a disappointing win-loss record of 10-22 and a mediocre ERA of 5.86 to show for after 6 Major League seasons, it would've been nearly impossible for anyone including Vogelsong to predict he'd make the Giants roster with as big of an impact he's made, let alone earn a spot on the All-Star team. After making his season debut on April 28, it wasn't long before the Giants struck gold as the right-hander paved his way to success by making nine consecutive starts where he allowed two runs or fewer to highlight his All-Star campaign. In the midst of his stellar season that's been nothing short of a Cinderella story, Giants manager Bruce Bochy has taken heavy fire lately as many believe his decision to name Vogelsong (6-1) to the All-Star Game was a homer move considering he already has two of his starting pitchers being represented in the Midsummer Classic.

Though his ERA of 2.17 is tops in the NL, he doesn't meet the number of innings pitched required to qualify for the ERA title which is a result of his late-April call-up. While Vogelsong's story of rags to riches alone merits a trip to the Midsummer Classic, arguments could also be made for Atlanta's Tommy Hanson and Pittsburgh's Kevin Correia who coincidentally served under Bruce Bochy as a Giant. The only starter Vogelsong would stand in the way of however, would be Hanson as Correia was a late add to the roster, replacing Philadelphia's Cole Hammels who took the mound on Sunday. And though I do think Hanson was snubbed from the All-Star team, I won't discredit Vogey for all he's done to get here, not to mention Hanson who at the young age of 24 will make multiple cameos in the Midsummer Classic before his career is all said and done. After all, it's unlikely Vogelsong will ever get this opportunity again.

If I'm going to make the argument to defend Vogelsong, I might as well stick up for Bruce Bochy too who fans are making it sound like he's made the only mistake when in fact it's the fans who get the voting wrong time and time again. Who's to judge Bochy's decision when the fans are the ones who vote Derek Jeter and A-Rod in every year regardless if their stats are All-Star worthy or not. It's bad enough that fans have the power to select the starting position players, but if they were in control of who the pitchers are also, it might as well be a Yankee-Phillies game given all the All-Star game really is is a popularity contest. And given the game decides which league gets home-field advantage in the World Series, the smart thing to do would be to outlaw the fan-voting. Besides, Bochy isn't the first All-Star manager to choose a player of his own. Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel did it two years ago when he decided to elect Shane Victorino over Pablo Sandoval who finished the season as the runner-up for the NL batting title behind Florida's Hanley Ramirez.

Also being named to his first ever All-Star team is the aforementioned Giants infielder - Pablo Sandoval who was a late addition to the roster, filling in for the injured Jose Reyes. Similar to Volgelsong, many believe Sandoval isn't deserving of an All-Star appearance due to a month long stint on the disabled list caused by a broken hand. To his credit, Sandoval entered the All-Star break on a 20-game hitting-streak, finishing the first half on a high note. The addition of Sandoval gives the Giants a total of 5 All-Star's (Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Brian Wilson, Ryan Vogelsong and Pablo Sandoval), the club's largest representation since the 1966 season which saw 6 Giants represent the orange and black -- Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Juan Marichal, Gaylor Perry, Jim Ray Hart and Tom Haller.

One thing is for sure and that's that the orange and black will be well represented this year as Arizona's Chase Field gets set to kick off the 82nd annual MLB All-Star Game on FOX (5 p.m. PST).

Giants, Posey dealt a huge blow

At AT&T Park on Wednesday, the San Francisco Giants played host to the Florida Marlins in game 2 of a 3 game set where they found themselves in an extra inning affair. Down 6 to 2 in the ninth inning, the defending World Champion Giants rallied to tie the game on a 2-run double by first baseman Aubrey Huff. Despite their valiant effort and late game heroics, San Francisco would go on to lose the game by a final score of 7-6 in extra innings. However, the Giants would lose much more than the game as last year's reigning Rookie of the Year Buster Posey was on the receiving end of a home plate collision.

With one out in the 12th inning and the game tied at 6, Emilio Bonifacio stepped up to the dish with Marlins outfielder Scott Cousins on third base. Bonifacio hit a sacrifice fly to shallow right field as Cousins broke for home, bulldozing the defenseless Posey to score the go-ahead run. Immediately following the hit, Posey was seen grimacing with pain and clawing the dirt as team trainers and medical personnel rushed to the scene. After a stoppage of play, the 24 year old Posey was helped off the field and taken to the Giants clubhouse where he was given further evaluation. After receiving x-rays, MRI's revealed torn ligaments in Posey's left ankle and a broken bone in his lower left leg. While his fractured fibula should heal normally according to Giants head athletic trainer Dave Groeschner, his ankle would require season ending surgery, putting the Giants' chances of winning back-to-back titles in jeopardy.

In what is still referred to as being relatively young into the season, the Giants have already had their fair share of injuries as Barry Zito, Pablo Sandoval, Mark DeRosa, Aaron Rowand, Andres Torres and Cody Ross among others have all served time on the bench or on the disabled list. However, no absence is greater than Posey's who not only takes on the daunting task of batting cleanup, but also having to catch an All-Star cast of pitchers that currently owns the fourth best ERA in the Majors (3.23). Both are traits of Posey's which helped play a key role in San Francisco's recent success.

Highly regarded as one of the best young catchers in all of baseball, it'll be nearly impossible for the Giants to acquire someone to fill the shoes of Posey given how irreplaceable he is. But that won't prevent Giants general manager Brian Sabean to consider a possible trade if San Francisco's backup catcher Eli Whiteside continues to struggle at the plate. Though nothing is set in stone, all signs point to a possible trade for Washington's Ivan Rodriguez if need be. The injury of their most important position player who was currently riding a 13 game hitting streak, comes at a pivotal time as the Arizona Diamondbacks who have been somewhat under the radar, have crept up from behind in the standings threatening to take over first place in the division.

Though it was just an unfortunate event, nobody feels worse about the incident than Marlins outfielder Scott Cousins, an alum of the University of San Francisco who says he feels bad Posey was hurt and that the Giants are his team. Since the incident, Cousins has called the team twice to send his apologies. Having started in 41 of the Giants' first 48 games this season, Posey has also gotten a beating behind home plate after taking a number of foul balls off the mask. And whether or not you agree, the most recent ailment regarding one of the Giants' most prized possessions has only added fuel to the discussion of if the organization should consider moving Posey to another position to avoid a similar incident from occurring. After all, their most fragile position player is at the most vulnerable of positions.

While neither Posey nor his teammates called Cousins' hit dirty, shades of Ray Fosse and Pete Rose in the 1970 All-Star Game come to mind. If a change in Posey's position isn't made, perhaps there will be a change made elsewhere like in the rule book. Although it's happened before, some think the most recent incident could result in a rule change banning catchers to block the plate. Posey's agent and Giants skipper Bruce Bochy certainly think so and are lobbying for a rule change concerning collisions. "I think this probably needs to be addressed," said Bochy who knows a little bit about catching having served 10 seasons in the Big Leagues behind home plate. With Posey sidelined for the rest of the season, the Giants who have been struggling before the injury, will need someone else to step up offensively. The one question us Giants fans are pondering, is who will it be?

Bryan Stow: A Rivalry Gone Too Far

With the Los Angeles Dodgers expected to return home for the first time this season since their season opening series against the rival San Francisco Giants, the team will not only be greeted by the shade of Dodger blue they're used to seeing, but also LAPD blue. This of coarse coming after the beating of a Giants fan in the Chavez Ravine parking lot after both teams renewed their rivalries for the first time in 2011 on March 31. Though the series between these two long-lived rivals almost guarantees a hostile environment which often translates to many fights amongst fans in the stands, never have we seen something quite like this.

Bryan Stow, a Santa Cruz native and paramedic who is usually helping save lives, is now fighting for his own. Following a 2-1 loss to L.A., Stow, wearing a Giants jersey, began walking back to his vehicle, when suddenly he was ambushed by two Dodger fans who jumped from behind a parked car and began punching and kicking him profusely before fleeing the scene. Suffering from a severe skull fracture and bruising to the brain's frontal lobe, the father of three now lies in a coma while his family anxiously awaits his wake. Chief officials from both cities along with both organizations have joined forces in hopes of capturing the two suspects still at large. A $150,000 reward has been offered to anyone who knows any further information on the whereabouts of either suspect as seen here:

With both teams meeting again on Monday, this time in San Francisco, the one thing on everybody's mind was if Giants fans would retaliate. Prior to throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, players and coaches from both teams met on the baseball diamond and were seen shaking hands with one another before Giants reliever Jeremy Affeldt and Jamey Carroll of the Dodgers stood in front of a podium to address the issue and remind fans that there's no room in the game for hatred and violence. "We ask that you respect our rivalry and that you respect each other as fans." said Affeldt. Trying to fight off tears, the choked up left-hander added, "When the last out is made, the rivalry ends on the field."

The game was dedicated to Stow, raising over $70,000 in proceeds to help his family pay for medical bills. Another $60,000 was raised by the Dodgers organization who also did their part by holding a drive through fund raiser in the Dodger Stadium parking lot where the incident took place. Some of the Giants players also contributed, including fan favorite and 2-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum who donated $25,000 of his own to the Stow family. In efforts to prevent another incident like this happening, undercover cops and off-duty policeman will attend Thursday's Dodgers-Cardinals game dressed in opposing teams attire to act as decoys in hopes of cracking down on other unruly fans.

It's obvious the history between not only these two teams is rich in violence but also both cities, so I find it rather sad it's taken something like this for officials to finally step in and beef up security. After all, this isn't the first act of thuggery seen in the infamous Dodger Stadium parking lot. Such antics between fans of the two teams have gone as far as a shooting, which took place in 2003, when a Giants fan shot and killed a Dodger fan after a similar altercation. And more recently in 2009 when the Dodgers hosted the Giants to open the season, a man was hospitalized after being stabbed multiple times following an argument.

What makes this tragedy so frightening to me, is that it could have happened to anyone. For years now, my father and I have made a number of trips to Giants-Dodger games in L.A., and we've been fortunate enough to leave the stadium unharmed, with no battle wounds to show for. Based off my own experience, there's no other feeling as discomforting as the one that follows after leaving the hostile environment of Dodger Stadium. However, that won't stop me from entering the Ravine or any other opposing team's stadium to support my team. A day at the yard should be a fan-friendly, family oriented environment. Not a place to go to seek violence with other fans or rival gang members, which has happened all too often at the Ravine.

Dodgers second baseman Jamey Carroll said it best on Monday when standing in front of a sold out crowd at AT&T Park, "This is America's national past time and let's keep it at that."

The Belt Factor

For years now, the homegrown talent in the San Francisco Giants pitching rotation has paved the way to their recent success. One problem they've also endured however, is developing promising young talent at the first base position. The 2010 World Champions who haven't had an everyday first baseman pan out since Will 'The Thrill' Clark did in the late 80's, are hoping they finally found their answer in Brandon Belt. Since being selected in the 5th round of the 2009 MLB Draft, the Texas native has rapidly moved his way through the Giants farm system, and into Spring Training where he awed skipper Bruce Bochy and played well enough to earn a spot on the Giants Opening Day roster.

Accompanying Belt through his big league journey, will be last year's Rookie of the Year, Buster Posey who was in Belt's very position last season after being called up in late May. The mid-season call up of Posey propelled the Giants in the division and helped ease the burden on the rest of the cast, in routing the franchise to their first ever World Series title since moving out west in 1956. With all that taken into account, who better to have Belt be shown the ropes to than the 2008 Golden Spikes Award winner who at times last year moved from his everyday catching position to man first base.

On Opening Day this past Thursday, Belt made his Major League debut where he finished the game 1-for-3 with a walk, logging his first big league hit in his very first at-bat off Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw. The following day, Belt connected with his first career home run over the centerfield wall, a 3-run shot off Chad Billingsley. Something the Giants organization hopes to see a lot more of for many years to come. Eventually, Belt's big moment would be negated by two Giants errors, spelling doom for the reigning World Champs who went on to lose to the game, 4-3. Ironically, the homer came just one day later than the aforementioned Will Clark who hit his first big league blast in his Major League debut off Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan.

Although his long ball came one game shy of Clark's, the Giants front office isn't the slightest bit reluctant to think the left-handed hitting Belt could be the next All-Star first baseman Clark was in his 8 years with the franchise, making it to the mid-summer classic five times while a member of the Giants. Expected to share duties at first with Aubrey Huff once the ailing Cody Ross returns from the Disabled List, Belt does have some experience in the outfield, having played double-digit games in both corners while in the Minors. Luckily for the soon-to-be 23 year old Belt, his versatility just might be his most valuable quality, with Pat Burrell struggling and both Ross and Andres Torres sidelined with injuries.
A demotion to the Minors is another option for Giants manager Bruce Bochy, and wouldn't be all that bad for Belt who's hitting .143 after his first 10 games. Every stop of the way while in the Minor Leagues last year, Belt tore the seams off the ball, hitting a combined batting average of .352 with 112 RBI's and 23 homers. With that being said, just how does one add to an already impressive resume? The trip down to the Minors for a month or so would help Belt get his rhythm back on track and help him translate his game to the main stage.

Though most usually see a return o the minors as a negative, the move would only further his skill set and add some seasoning to the Giants number one prospect, paying dividends once he's brought back up. Since slowing down after his impressive series against the Dodgers, Bochy made it clear that it's still way too early in the developing process to judge where his rookie stands. "We're going to be patient with him, he'll figure it out."

World Series Hangover

This past Thursday, the San Francisco Giants opened their title defense on the road against the rival Dodgers in a four game series in L.A. Since capturing their first ever World Series Championship in late October, the Giants have showed no signs of slowing down, finishing Spring Training with a league best 23-wins. However, the start to their 2011 campaign and run for a second consecutive title began a bit sluggish and was anything but ideal.
Game 1 of their four game set at Dodger Stadium featured a pair of young aces -- Tim Lincecum and Clayton Kershaw. Living up to expectations, Kershaw would eventually win the pitcher's duel, thanks to 3 errors by the Giants, allowing a 1-0 lead in the 6th. L.A. would tack on another run in the 8th, before Pat Burrell's solo shot off Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton put the Giants on the board in the 9th, ending the shutout. However, the self inflicted wounds would be the difference in the game, as the World Champs dropped their first match of the season, 2-1.
In Game 2, the Giants starting rotation would showcase yet another dominant outing to start the game, before running into some misfortune for the second straight night. Southpaw Jonathan Sanchez appeared to be on top of his game for the Giants, until allowing a walk to the opposing pitcher Chad Billingsley in the 3rd, who went on to score after a ground-rule double hit by Matt Kemp. The Giants would strike back an inning later, with the only offense they had all night, thanks to rookie first baseman Brandon Belt hitting his first big league homer, a 3-run shot over the center field wall. After taking a 3-1 lead into the 6th, the San Francisco defense would commit back-to-back errors, including a comebacker off the glove of Sanchez, allowing the Dodgers to reclaim the lead.

Only a year removed from setting a franchise record for the fewest errors in a season and a .988 fielding percentage which was good enough for 4th best in the league, the Giants have already committed 5 errors. Those errors would prove to be costly as San Francisco was unable to get anything else going on offense, falling once again to their archrivals, 4-3. Game 3 would sing a different tune, as the Giants poured it on their nemesis in landslide fashion. A usual suspect of the lack of run support, the San Francisco offense would be sure to treat the right-handed Matt Cain to plenty of offense on Saturday, amassing a total 10 runs on 13 hits. Hitting atop of the line-up, Miguel Tejada, Freddy Sanchez and Aubrey Huff combined for 7 hits and 8 RBI's, leading the G-men to their first win of the season, 10-0, as Cain blanked the opposition.
With a chance to split the series in Game 4, the Giants would hand the ball over to the left-handed Barry Zito for the finale. Having suffered from a car accident just days prior to his outing on Wednesday night, it was unsure if Zito would be effective in his scheduled start, let alone be healthy enough to play. With a few extra nights of rest pitching fourth in the rotation, Zito was given the green light and pronounced ready to go, facing L.A.'s Hiroki Kuroda. Zito, a former Cy Young Award winner while a member of the A's, ran into an early speed bump, as two of the first three Dodger hitters reached base before being brought home on a Matt Kemp homer. After the 3-run 1st, Zito would settle in and was let off the hook thanks to solo blasts by both Pablo Sandoval and Pat Burrell and an RBI single off the bat of Posey.

The Giants bullpen however, missing one of their key pieces in closer Brian Wilson, would be kind enough to give the game right back with contributions from Aubrey Huff who had a hard time covering right field. Diving and missing a ball by several feet was only the beginning of a forgetful day by the veteran Huff who later let a ball soar over his head after being turned around and mislead. The left handed throwing Dan Runzler would be credited with 4 earned runs in the 7th, while recording only one out before Sergio Romo was called upon. The Giants would be a threat the following inning after loading the bases, but only managed to scratch across 1-run with a bases loaded walk by Belt.

With a 3-run deficit heading into the 9th, the pinch-hitting Aaron Rowand led the inning off with a home run, cutting the lead to 2. After a Freddy Sanchez base hit, last year's reigning Rookie of the Year Buster Posey came up to bat with a chance to tie it, but instead grounded out to end the game, sending the defending World Champs to a disappointing 1-3 record to start the season. Stealing a quote from Giants skipper Bruce Bochy who said, "We shot ourselves in the foot" would be a perfect way to sum up the series. Not only did the Giants make a lot of self inflicted miscues, but the Dodgers were fortunate enough to capitalize on them. To say the players are happy to be leaving L.A. would be an understatement.

With an off-day tomorrow, Bruce Bochy and company will make the trip down south of the border to face the San Diego Padres for a 2-game set before the Giants' home-opener on Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals. Though I don't expect the Giants to get swept against the Friars, perhaps a trip home is all they need to get going and be reminded that they're the defending World Champions. On tap for Tuesday's affair will be southpaw Madison Bumgarner facing off against San Diego's newest arm and long time ace of the Reds -- Aaron Harang.

NLCS x Game 6 x With Juan Swing

In a do or die Game 6 at Home for the Phillies, Roy Oswalt was called upon as the fate of Philadelphia's Postseason hung by a thread. But with the proud owner of the highest career win percentage after August 1st in the MLB since 1920 on the mound, the odds were in Philly's favor. And with the opposing pitcher Jonathan Sanchez digging a hole for himself in the first inning, the Philadelphia faithful looked like they were in store for a decisive Game 7. Chase Utley managed to drive in his first run of the series with an RBI double before scoring on a sac-fly from fellow teammate Jayson Werth, as Philly took an early 2-0 lead.

Though, the Giants would strike back in the third thanks to a lead-off single from the pitcher Sanchez. With Andres Torres at the dish and hitting a ball deep to the warning track, Shane Victorino looked to have made a basket-like catch reminiscent of Willlie Mays' famous grab in the 1954 World Series. Instead, the ball bounced out of Victorino's glove and hit the wall before falling to the ground. Sanchez who was unsure about the hit, was only able to make it to second on the play. After a Freddy Sanchez bunt to move the runners over, Aubrey Huff hit one up the middle to score a run. Torres also tried to score on the play, but was tagged out at home by a throw from Victorino. Buster Posey would tie things up after a softly hit ball fielded by the catcher Ruiz was thrown off the line, with Posey reaching the base safely.

After exchanging runs in the top half of the inning, both teams exchanged words and came close to exchanging blows as the benches cleared in the bottom of the third, started with an 87 MPH pitch that plunked Chase Utley in the back. Upon trotting to first, the ball bounced in front of Utley and into his hands before being tossed back towards Sanchez who stood on the mound. Sanchez didn't take the toss very likely and began staring the All-Star second baseman down before the two jawed back and forth, ensuing the fracas. As the players walked back to their respected positions, dugouts, and bullpens, no ejections were issued. Instead, Giants skipper Bruce Bochy decided to pull the plug on Sanchez and make an early call to the bullpen.

With the starting pitcher out and only two innings to show for, the relief corps would be asked to take on a heavy workload. However, Jeremy Affeldt, Madison Bumgarner, Javier Lopez, and Tim Lincecum would all combine to hurl seven scoreless innings before handing the ball over to their closer. With 1-out in the 8th, Juan Uribe broke a 2-2 tie with an opposite-field homer. What appeared to be an innocent fly ball to right-field, ended up drifting deeper and deeper as Jayson Werth ran out of room while the ball barely made it over the fence, landing into the first row of seats. Brian Wilson would then be called upon to protect a 1-run lead and slam the door on a Philly team eying a third straight World Series appearance. With the hard hitting Ryan Howard up to bat with two men on and 2-outs, Wilson made it as nerve-racking as possible, pushing the at-bat to a full-count before striking out the former MVP looking on a slider that caught the outside corner and sending the Giants to the World Series for the first time in eight years, where they will face the AL Champion Texas Rangers.

Noteworthy - As if anyone else on the team put up a worthy enough fight for the award, Cody Ross was named NLCS MVP, hitting .350, with 3 HR's, 3 2B's and 5 RBI's. With yet another save in Game 6, Wilson became the first pitcher with 3 Saves and a Win in a Postseason series.

NLCS x Game 5 x Halladay Gets Revenge

Before both teams took the field for Game 5 in San Francisco, the champagne was cold and ready to pop in front of the home crowd hoping to see their Giants celebrate a National League pennant. The Philadelphia Phillies on the other hand, had other plans. And with Doc Halliday on the mound seeking redemption for his Game 1 loss against Tim Lincecum in Philly, the Giants offense would have their work cut out for them. Though that didn't appear to be the case in the first inning. The Giants would draw first blood in the opening inning, thanks to one of Game 4's heroes -- Buster Posey hitting into a force out, scoring Andres Torres who led the game off with a walk and advanced to third on a hit from Freddy Sanchez.

Philly would then take the lead in the third, after two costly errors by Pablo Sandoval and Aubrey Huff, allowing men on second and third. Placido Polanco would cap off the wild three-run inning by lining one into left field and over the head of the shortstop, giving Philly a 3-1 lead. An inning later, Cody Ross would continue his brilliance with an RBI double, bringing the Giants within one. Despite threatening Philly's one run lead a number of times, the Giants offense was unable to do any further damage, as Halladay escaped jams in both the 5th and 6th inning. With the game still locked at 3-2, Jayson Werth added an insurance run in the 9th, leading off the inning with a home run. The 2-run cushion would be all the Phillies bullpen needed as Jose Contreras, J.C. Romero, Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge all combined to hurl three scoreless-innings, putting a damper on any chance of the Giants celebrating at home and forcing a Game 6.

Game 6 Preview - While both teams get set for another go-around in Philly, Jonathan Sanchez will once again face off against Roy Oswalt. With a win in Oswalt's last start in Game 2, the Phillies are hoping he'll be the one to get them right back in the thick of things and even the series at three-games a piece, stretching the series to a Game 7. Find out if that's the case on Saturday with a scheduled first-pitch @ 4:30 p.m.

NLCS x Game 4 x Walk It Off

NLCS Game 4 - Heading into Game 4, a lot was on the line for both teams. For the Phillies, it meant keeping their hopes of playing another game at home alive. As for the Giants, Game 4 meant a chance to end the series at home instead of having to fly back to Philly for a game 6. That of coarse being if they were to win Game 5 in San Francisco as well. On the bump aiming to fulfill those dreams of inching the Giants closer to the 2010 Fall Classic, was the 21 year old southpaw Madison Bumgarner. In only his rookie year, Bumgarner became the youngest Giants pitcher to ever start and win a Postseason game, less than a week ago when he held the Braves offense to only 2-runs in 6 innings pitched, punching SF's ticket to the NLCS.

Sharing the mound with Bumgarner was Phillies pitcher Joe Blaton. Pitching for the first time since September 29th, Blanton was erratic to open the game surrendering a single to Freddy Sanchez who moved over to third on two wild pitches. Those early miscues would cost Blanton, as Buster Posey who had a phenomenal night, laced a 2-out RBI single, putting the Giants up with an early 1-0 lead. For what it's worth, Blanton's two wild pitches in the first inning, matched his regular season total of two wild pitches. With back-to-back 2-out hits by Aubrey Huff and Buster Posey who combined to hit 7-for-10 on the night, the Giants would take a 2-0 lead. As the game wore on, Bumgarner would run into a few jams, including one he would get out of in the 4th, with two on and two outs.

However, an inning later, he wouldn't be so lucky. With one out and runners on second and third, Shane Victorino connected for an RBI single up the middle, scoring Utley. Thanks to a tremendous effort by the Giants defense, a second run would fail to score, as a throw home from Aaron Rowand beat the sliding Carlos Ruiz to the plate. Posey would also get kudos on the play for executing an excellent tag, all while holding onto the ball. Although the run was prevented, the inning would continue, as Bochy decided to hook his rookie pitcher in favor of Santiago Casilla. A decision that would take a turn for the worst, as Bumgarner soon found himself in line for a loss after being credited with two more runs. Placido Polanco did most of the damage, hitting one into the gap, good enough for a double and giving Philly their first lead of the night. The nightmare would continue, as Casilla walked Howard and hit Werth in consecutive at-bats to load the bases. Then came a wild pitch, scoring Polanco and putting Philly on top 4-2.

The inning that saw 9-hitters come up to bat and combine to scratch four runs across the board would last 25 minutes and would prove to be too long of a rest for Blanton who waited patiently in the dugout. After walking Torres to lead off the inning, Huff would bring him home with another clutch 2-out RBI single. And before you knew it, the game would turn into a battle of the bullpens, as the Phils pen began to have its own struggles in the sixth. Philadelphia reliever Chad Durbin would then do his best Casilla impersonation. Making his first start of the series, Pablo Sandoval would come through with a big 2-out double, as San Francisco stole back the lead. Once again, Philly would fight back two innings later to tie it, capped off by a lead off double from Ryan Howard. With both teams locked up 5-5 heading into the 9th, Posey would continue to shine, moving Huff over to third on a double, giving Juan Uribe a chance for some late game heroics.

Uribe would do just that, hitting a sac fly to left field, as Huff trotted to home as the winning run, 6-5. Uribe connected for only the 8th walk-off via the sacrifice fly in Postseason history. As for the Phillies, the walk-off loss was their first since the '93 World Series in which they lost to the Toronto Blue Jays. Speaking of firsts, Posey became only the second rookie catcher in Postseason history to compile 4-hits.

Game 5 Preview - With a Game 1 rematch of Roy Halladay and Tim Lincecum, the Giants have only one thing on mind, winning a trip to the World Series. Philly on the other hand hopes to survive to live another day. All making this match-up one for the ages.

NLCS x Game 3 x Yes We Cain!

NLCS Game 3 - With games 1 and 2 being played in Philadelphia and featuring a good set of pitching match-ups, San Francisco would also get to see an appealing pitching match-up in Game 3 between Cole Hamels and Matt Cain. Stepping away from pitching for a moment, the main story offensively for the Giants has been Cody Ross. Having propelled the Giants offense for the first two games via the home run, it would be interesting to see if Ross could utilize his power at San Francisco's AT&T Park, an unfriendly yard to those who seek home runs. Opposed to Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Ballpark where Ross has seen a lot of action as a member of the Marlins, having hit 8 HR's in 20 games there, Ross has only hit a fraction of that while playing at home in a Giants uniform.

In his second at-bat with a runner in scoring position, Ross would bring in a run on a single instead of a home run, scoring Edgar Renteria who led the inning off with a single. Aubrey Huff would follow on an RBI single of his own. A third and final run would come around to score in the fifth when Aaron Rowand led off the inning with a double and scored on a 2-out RBI single by Freddy Sanchez that was first ruled an error after taking a tricky hop and corralling off the arm of Chase Utley. One of the bigger pick-ups for the Giants at the trade deadline, was that of left-handed reliever Javier Lopez. Relieving for Cain in the eighth, Lopez retired the side, including a big strikeout of Ryan Howard to end it. Closer Brian Wilson would then showcase his beard in the ninth, by inducing a double play ball off the bat of Raul Ibanez to end it.

Tossing 7 scoreless innings of 2-hit ball, Matt Cain and the Giants bullpen combined to do something that hasn't been done against Philadelphia in the Postseason since Game 5 of the 1993 World Series (a span of 49 Playoff games), and that's shutout the Phillies offense. Meanwhile for the Giants, the shutout was their second of this Postseason, and 5th since 1958.

Game 4 Preview - Game 4 will take a much different approach as the young rookie southpaw Madison Bumgarner will take on Phillies' Joe Blaton who hasn't started since September 29th. Whether or not that it will show, we will soon find out.

NLCS x Game 2 x Oswalt Does It All

NLCS Game 2 - Heading into Game 2, both offenses would have their hands full, as both Roy Oswalt and Jonathan Sanchez came into the game on fire. In his last 8 starts, Sanchez owns a record of 4-1, finishing with an ERA of 1.06 in that span. Meanwhile, Oswalt boasts a record of 4-0 in 8 career Postseason starts and is 10-0 all-time at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Ballpark. As if that wasn't enough bad news for the Giants, their offense would be without one of its power threats, as utility infielder Juan Uribe sat out with a contusion in his wrist, an injury he suffered late in game 1 when sliding into second base. With Uribe sidelined, Edgar Renteria filled the void.

Unlike game 1, Philly would draw first blood in the first inning, making the Giants pay early for two walks and an error. Sanchez dug a hole of his own by giving up a bases loaded walk to Jimmy Rollins, capping off a 35-pitch inning and giving Philly a 1-0 lead. The early trouble Sanchez ran into caused the Giants bullpen to move around after only the first inning. Though Sanchez would eventually settle down.

Continuing his candidacy to become this year's Mr. October, Cody Ross hit yet another home run, tying the game in the fifth, 1-1. For Ross, the homer was his third this series and fourth in his last three games. With the trio of dingers this series, Ross has already matched the three HR's he hit during the regular season as a member of the Giants. Phillies speed demon Shane Victorino led off the bottom half of the inning with a double, and scored after being moved over on two consecutive sacrifice fly's. Jonathan Sanchez would be pulled in the seventh after surrendering a single to the opposing pitcher -- Oswalt on the 100th pitch of the night. With the bullpen making an appearance, Oswalt would run threw a stop sign put up by the Phillies third base coach and came around to score on an RBI single by Placido Polanco, keeping the inning alive before loading the bases. Those bases would eventually clear on a double hit by J-Roll.

With a final score of 6-1, the Giants starting pitching staff was out dueled for the first time this Postseason, as Oswalt hurled 8 solid innings of 3-hit ball, walking 3 and striking out 9. The only two hitters in the Giants line-up able to solve the 3-time All-Star Oswalt, were Cody Ross who homered and Freddy Sanchez who finished the game with two singles. Jonathan Sanchez on the other hand, surrendered 3 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits, walking 3 and striking out 7 in 6 innings. In spite of the loss, Sanchez still managed to have a decent outing.

Game 3 Preview - Next on tap for Game 3 of the NLCS, Cole Hamels and Matt Cain look to battle it out in the first game of the series in San Francisco. First pitch at 1:30 p.m., Go Giants!

NLCS x Game 1 x Ross' Bat Propels Giants

NLCS Game 1 - If the Giants wanted to take an early 1-game lead on the road against a Philadelphia team that has become quite familiar with the Postseason, having reached the NLCS for a third consecutive year, they'd have to face a pitcher coming off of one of the best Postseason outings in Major League history -- Roy Halladay. Philly wouldn't have it easy either, as San Francisco countered with their ace and 2-time defending NL Cy Young award winner -- Tim Lincecum, who also had an impressive outing in his first ever Postseason start. Although the battle between the two Goliath's would be a match-up of epic proportions and the headline coming into the game, there offense would get its time to shine as well.

During the regular season in late August, the Giants acquired Marlins outfielder Cody Ross on waivers primarily to prevent the division rival San Diego Padres from acquiring him down the stretch in the heat of their pennant race. His offensive production thus far in the Postseason however, would make one think he was picked up purposely as an everyday outfielder. Although that's not the case, Ross has fit in just well. Proving that on Saturday, Ross put an end to Halladay's hopes of throwing another no-hitter by hitting a solo home run in the third inning. Trailing by a run, Philly answered back with a solo shot of their own, off the bat of Carlos Ruiz just an inning later to tie the game at 1-run a piece.

Cody Ross would strike again in the fifth inning with another home run off Halladay, regaining the lead 2-1. Veteran outfielder Pat Burrell who played 8-years with the Phillies from 2000-2008, came up to bat in the sixth inning, hitting a ball to deep left field, coming a few feet short of a homer. As the ball bounced off the glove of Phillies left fielder Raul Ibanez, catcher Buster Posey came in to score. Giants manager Bruce Bochy then decided to yank Burrell in place of a pinch-runner. A move that proved to be costly for the Giants in Game 2 of the ALDS. The pinch-running Nate Schierholtz would eventually come in to score on a single up the middle from Juan Uribe.

Trailing by a score of 4-1 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning, the Phillies would manage to scratch across a few more runs off Lincecum, thanks to a 2-run shot by Jason Werth, bringing Philly within a run. Lincecum would be lights out from there on out, finishing the game with 8 strikeout's and 3 walks, while surrendering 3-runs on 8-hits in 7-innings. The ball was then given to the bullpen who managed to shut the Phillies down for the final two innings, with closer Brian Wilson striking out Shane Victorino with a man left on base to end it. While Lincecum improves to 2-0 this Postseason, Halladay falls to 1-1. The Giants and Phillies may only be prepping for Game 2 of this series, but the momentum has to be on San Francisco's side, as they put an end to Philadelphia's Postseason streak of 7-straight wins during Game 1's. The win for the Giants also inches them 3-wins closer to their first World Series since 2002.

Game 2 Preview - Hoping to bring the Giants a game closer to the Fall Classic, is Jonathan Sanchez who looks to face Philly's Roy Oswalt who remains unbeaten on home turf. Game time scheduled at 4:30 p.m., Go Giants!

Giants brilliant pitching edges Braves

Giants win ALDS! - Coming into Game 4, a lot was in stake for both teams. Whether it was the Giants vying for their first first Postseason series win since the Barry Bonds era and their first trip to the NLCS since 2002, or the Braves hoping to keep Bobby Cox's managerial career alive for another day. But with only three quarters of the stadium filled, you kinda had a sense that the Braves faithful would be seeing both their hopes of a World Series tittle and Cox's career come to an end. The least they could have done was pay their respects to the man that managed their team for 20+ years. But before the world of Baseball bid Cox a farewell, a game was to be played.

And similar to the previous three games of the series, starting pitching would steal the show. Coming into the game, Giants starters combined for 11 hits, 4 BB's, 0 ER's, and 31 K's in 23 IP. Wins proving to be the only thing hard to come by as Cain and Sanchez had to settle for no-decisions, the only win coming from Lincecum. With yet another gem thrown by the Giants starting pitching staff, this time behind the arm of Madison Bumgarner, little offense was needed. As the tomahawk chop in full effect throughout Turner Field, the Braves would scratch across a run in the third. Giants outfielder Cody Ross tied it in the sixth with a solo shot, only to have the tie erased in the bottom half of the inning. Braves catcher Brian McCann sent the first pitch he saw into the bleachers, giving Atlanta the lead once again.

San Francisco answered back an inning later thanks to two RBI singles from Juan Uribe and Cody Ross, regaining the lead, 3-2. It was then time for some relief work. For several years now, the bullpen has been a major strong point for the Giants. However, the same exact bullpen that ranked second best in the NL this year, has been anything but impressive so far this Postseason. Tonight would be a different story though. After reaching base again, Braves skipper Bobby Cox decided to pinch-run for the power hitting McCann. A similar move Giants manager Bruce Bochy made in Game 2 when pulling the home run threat of Pat Burrell, which proved to be a costly mistake. With limited power remaining in the Braves line-up, Giants relievers Santiago Casilla, Javier Lopez and Brian Wilson all combined for three shutout innings to seal the ball game, sending the Giants to their first Championship Series in eight years.

Before the bottle popping began in the clubhouse, the Giants players and coaching staff withheld their celebration and walked onto the field to give the retiring Cox a round of applause of their own. The 69 year old Cox was given a curtain call and saluted the Atlanta crowd before tipping his hat and giving the Giants personnel a thumbs up. With a banged up roster without a number of key players such as Chipper Jones, Martin Prado and Billy Wagner, you've gotta wonder what the series would've been like if Atlanta was in full strength. I'm not one to complain though, and I couldn't be any happier to see my Giants move on to the NLCS. Game 1 which takes place at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, sets up for a match-up of epic proportions as Roy Halladay faces Tim Lincecum. Get your popcorn ready!

Giants thank Conrad for late 3-2 rally

With the highlight of game 1 being dominant pitching and late game heroics in game 2, game 3 would be a mixture of both. After the Giants failed to capitalize in the first inning with the bases loaded, they made sure they wouldn't make the same mistake when given another chance. Third baseman Mike Fontenot who was acquired from the Cubs as late as mid-August, led the second inning off with a triple before scoring on Cody Ross' routine pop-up in shallow right field that was dropped for an error by the Braves second baseman Books Conrad. For the Giants, drawing first blood would be important against Atlanta's Tim Hudson who went on to win 17 games this year and owned an ERA south of 3.00.

Heading into the eighth inning, it looked like another 1-0 finish in favor of the Giants. Then came in reliever Sergio Romo who blew the lead for the second straight game. With a man on and 1 out, Eric Hinske hit a pinch-hit 2-run homer that hit the foul pole and gave Atlanta their first lead of the game. With another questionable pitching change by manager Bruce Bochy, the call to the 'pen proved to come back to bite him in the ass for a second time in three days. Although the go-ahead dinger would be costly, the Giants would still have life thanks to their new favorite opposing second baseman -- Brooks Conrad. After already committing three errors in the game, Conrad showed shades of the '86 World Series by doing his best Bill Buckner impersonation and letting a ground ball hit by Buster Posey sneak between his legs and underneath his glove. Freddy Sanchez scored on the mishap, which gave Conrad three errors on the night, setting a new Division Series record for most in a series (4).

And just like that, the Giants rallied to steal a game, similar to Atlanta's triumphant game 2 comeback. Despite his stellar 7.1 innings of 2-hit, 11-strikeout outing, Sanchez was given a no-decision as the Giants won, 3-2. One decision that has been made however, is the decision to sit ace Tim Lincecum for tomorrow's game 4. Instead, Giants skipper Bruce Bochy will give the ball to the young rookie southpaw -- Madison Bumgarner. Meanwhile, Atlanta decides to go with game 1 starter -- Derek Lowe. Heading into tomorrow's game, the one thing running through the minds of Giants players and fans alike is how sweet it would be to celebrate on enemy turf, instead of having to play a deciding game 5 in San Fran.

Giants Bullpen Implodes

Heading into Game 2 with a 1-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, the atmosphere in AT&T Park was like that of no other. After Tim Lincecum's dominant outing on Wednesday, the Giants faithful would be spoiled if they were to see another outstanding pitching performance. Matt Cain didn't quite equal Lincecum's 2-hit, 14 K performance, but he threw exceptionally well by striking out 6 and allowing only 1 run (unearned) in 6 2/3 innings. The Giants offense would then steal the show in the early going by scoring 4 runs in the first two innings. Pat Burrell ignited the fireworks after hitting a 3-run homer in the first inning, driving in Freddy Sanchez and Buster Posey. Matt Cain followed in the second by helping his own cause with an rbi-single putting the Giants up 4-0.

The Braves offense would finally make its Postseason debut, by scoring a run in the 6th inning after being held scoreless for nearly 15 innings. Also making it's first Postseason appearance this year, was the Giants bullpen. With a 4-1 lead heading into the 8th, the Giants looked like they were going to head into Atlanta with a 2-game lead. But that was until Giants skipper Bruce Bochy over-managed the game. After a stellar 6 2/3 innings registered by Cain, southpaw Javier Lopez was given the ball for the final out of the 7th. Sergio Romo then came in to start the 8th, and the wheels fell off from there. After inheriting two runners on base without recording an out (both on walks), it was up to closer Brian Wilson. Despite leading the Majors with 48 saves during the regular season, Wilson was rarely called upon to get any more than than 3-outs in a game. So a 6-out save during a pivotal Postseason game would be something new for the fire baller. The move would also prove to be very dangerous.

During the regular season, come from behind wins were routine for the Atlanta Braves who were second in the Major Leagues with 46. So when third baseman Pablo Sandoval committed an error on a dribbler he threw awkwardly to first, pulling Aubrey Huff off the bag, the Braves were in route to adding yet another come from behind win to the list. With two men on and only one out, Alex Gonzalez hit a 2-run double to tie the game and eventually leading to extra innings. What looked to be a friendly division series between two of Georgia's very own -- Buster Posey and Jason Heyward, turned into a rivalry thanks to the Giants home crowd. Coincidentally both are in the hunt for this years NL Rookie of the Year Award. During his at-bats, Heyward got an earful as chants of 'Posey's better' roared throughout the stadium.

With the bases loaded and one out in the 10th inning, Posey would get a chance to prove just that. But instead hit into an inning ending double play to end the threat. Then heading into the 11th, it happened. Former pitcher and one of Atlanta's latest acquisitions -- Rick Ankiel hit a booming shot to right field, clearing the fence and landing in McCovey's cove. The solo shot that was a no brainer would make Barry Bonds cringe given how hard it was hit and how deep it went. With the home run by Ankiel, the Braves had their first lead of the series and made sure the score stayed that way as Atlanta would take the game, 5-4 and even the series at one game apiece. As the Giants visit Atlanta's Turner Field for Game 3 on Sunday, Jonathan Sanchez will face Tim Hudson as both teams aim to take a 2-1 lead over one another.

Throwback Thursday x Bobby Thomson

The News Heard 'Round the World - Last week we learned the unfortunate news of the passing of one of baseball's most unexpected heroes -- Bobby Thomson who passed at the age of 86. Serving 14-years in the Major Leagues with five different ball clubs, Thomson was better known for his days spent with the New York Giants (1946-1953, 1957) where we was a 3-time All-Star. Though his service wouldn't interrupt his career on the baseball diamond, Thomson enlisted in the United States armed forces like most players during his time.

However, his greatest achievement would come in one of the most memorable moments in baseball history. After trailing the Brooklyn Dodgers by many as 13 1/2 games as late in the season as mid-August, the Giants finished the season by going on a tear winning 37 of their final 44 games, overcoming what many believed was a deficit well out of reach. Finding themselves in a tie with their arch rivals on the final day of the regular season, the Giants and Dodgers met for a three-game playoff to determine who would move onto the World Series.

After splitting the first two games and falling behind 4-1 heading into the ninth inning of game three, the Giants were in need of a miracle. With one out and two men on base, Thomson stepped up to the plate to face pitcher Ralph Branca who Thomson had a successful career against. With the count even at 1-1, Thomson sent the next pitch he seen deep into left-field in what would seal the deal for the Giants and win the game, 5-4. The pennant winning 3-run homer would be known as the Shot Heard 'Round the World.

The Giants would eventually lose in the World Series to New York Yankees in 6-games. With one swing of the bat, Thomson's legacy will live on in baseball immortality. To this day some 50+ years later, Thomson's Shot remains one of if not the most popular home run in the sports 100+ year history. Not only was it a huge hit considering it won both the game and the pennant, but the stage it was on in one the sports greatest and longest standing rivalry solidifies it as the granddaddy of them all.

Once a Giant, Always a Giant.

R.I.P Bobby Thomson
October 25, 1923 - August 16, 2010

Zito's Hot Tub Time Machine

During MLB's winter meetings of the 2007 offseason, the San Francisco Giants and left-handed pitcher Barry Zito inked a seven-year deal worth $126 million. Since the blockbuster deal, let's just say the Giants haven't quite gotten their moneys worth in his first three-years with the ball club. Since joining the Giants in '07, Zito has compiled a record of 20-wins and 30-losses and owns a rough 4.6 ERA. However, the former 2002 AL Cy Young Award winner and 3-time All-Star has gotten off to a blazing hot start to begin his 2010 campaign and is beginning to look a lot like the Zito of old.

Zito, who's now in his 10th year in the big leagues, has never been known for starting the season off strong. In fact, he's been a notorious slow starter since making his big league debut in 2000 with the Giants' bay area rivals -- the Oakland Athletics. But for Zito, the first month and a half of the 2010 season has rang a different tone. Through his first eight games, Zito owns a 6-1 record and an ERA of 2.15. Both of which are a career-best 8 starts into a season. After finishing last season with a record of 10-wins and 13-losses, Zito addressed his mechanics and made a few minor adjustments.

Zito's stellar season this year, started in Spring Training when he sent a message to his fellow teammates and coaching staff after throwing a beam ball at Brewers slugger Prince Fielder in retaliation for his walk-off celebration last season. Many including myself believe Zito's role in the rotation is an important one, given Matt Cain and 2-time defending Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum have pitched brilliantly for the club and have been depended on quite a lot. Not to mention the unripe Jonathan Sanchez who is yet to live up to his potential at the young age of 27. With the aforementioned names, the Giants starting pitching staff has already become one of the leagues best, but with a retro Zito in the mix, they can also become one of the leagues most feared from top to bottom.

Giants fans have been waiting to root for Zito since his arrival, but it's been a hard task granted how much weight was put on his shoulders after signing that huge contract. But if Zito can continue his dominance, the Giants faithful just might have a place in their heart for the $126 million dollar man.