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No Answer for Tim Lincecum (Photo by Icon SMI)
In the wake of the surprising but deserving San Francisco Giants winning the World Series came word that numerous riots broke out on the city streets. Is there any plausible reason for this adolescent behavior? What have fans become? Why, after a big victory in sports do fans have to act like idiots (Here’s a link to the scene)? If this were an isolated incident it would be better tolerated, but rioting has become the norm.
“Hey, my team won so I have the right to pull you out of your car and beat you, then set the block on fire.”
This trend is disgusting but not surprising as witnessed by the boorish actions of fans in the stands at nearly any sporting event. It has gotten out of hand. Why should so few spoil it for so many? What has our society become? Can’t we just relish the moment without having to witness careless acts of stupidity?
As for the Series itself, the adage that good pitching beats good hitting was never so prevalent as in this post-season. We watched Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner and to a lesser extent, Jonathan Sanchez simply dominate good hitting teams.
The Braves were first to bear witness to this. While not necessarily an offensive heavyweight, they were nonetheless helpless at the plate.
Next came the Phillies who have a better lineup yet were turned into a steady parade of zombies traipsing to and from the dugout. They were so locked up, tied up, confused, and dazed that not even Houdini could help them.
Then came the real test. The Texas Rangers led the American League in nearly every offensive category yet during the Series the only thing that was offensive were their feeble attempts at hitting. How many times did we observe Rangers’ batters swing at pitches in the dirt, outside the zone, above the zone and anywhere else but in the zone? It was sheer frustration that caused this as if they were thinking “If you’re not going to give a pitch in the zone, I’m going to swing anyway, damnit!” It was like having a complete lineup of Vladimir Guerreros’.
This Giants team was an idyllic makeup of other teams’ rejects and wonderful rookies. The starting seven fielders in nearly all the games were players General Manager Brian Sabean picked up at the recycling center:
Aubrey Huff signed late in the offseason because he could not get a decent offer.
Freddy Sanchez was a payroll markdown from the Pirates.
MVP Edgar Renteria
Edgar Renteria. The Series’s MVP was playing on his fifth team in the last seven years. Were it not for Kung Fu Panda’s bat going into hibernation, he may not have played at all.
Juan Uribe was signed as a free agent in 2009 for stopgap purposes until a younger player in the system (Emmanuel Burris?) could take over. He hit 24 HR drove in 85 and played three positions.
Pat Burrell. Cut by the Rays, the Giants signed him put him in the lineup where he hit 14 HR’s. Never mind that he did a good imitation of Matt Reynolds in the Series, his acquisition was key in the pennant drive.
Andres Torres. He, who spent 12 seasons in the minors before Bruce Bochy apparently noticed some intangible that other organizations overlooked.
Cody Ross. Why on earth did the Marlins waive him? Well, it’s the Marlins. No one was hotter at the plate during the playoffs than Ross.
Combined with home-grown Buster Posey, the aforementioned pitchers, and “Fear the Beard” Brian Wilson, the Giants 2010 season was truly extraordinary.
Who thought that their two highest paid players Barry Zito and Aaron Rowand would be a non-factor?
C’mon, who picked the Giants to even win their division much less the Series?
This was a joyful ending to another great season of baseball regardless of the actions of a few morons.
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