The Span Man isn't Alone in Killing the Giants!!!

On Friday, June 16, 2017, a pop fly into shallow center field looked harmless to the Giants' broadcasters as shortstop Brandon Crawford went out to see if he could get to the falling orb. It was thought, by Giants' broadcasters, that perhaps this was the reason why center fielder Denard Span just stopped. Did Brandon call him off? That will be discovered when the question is asked. But the broadcasters, both Jon Miller and Dave Fleming agreed it was Span's ball all the way. After all, he IS the center fielder. The captain of the outfield? Not on this Giant's team. 

Man, oh man, this guy is proving every day what a horrible sign he was by the Giants' management. Yesterday, at the Golden State Warriors's rally after their parade for winning their second NBA championship, it was said by GM Bob Myer that Draymond Green just wins. Denard Span just finds ways NOT TO WIN.

When you play the hard-hitting Rockies at Coors Field you do not give any team more than the allotted three outs per inning. Span either didn't see the memo or chose not to read the numerous papers attached to the bulletin board. But he is not the only player who did not read the memo. Hunter Pence is shagging some flies that are acting like some sort of repellent to the leather of his glove. Oh, those 2017 San Francisco Giants.

(The Span Man is killing the Giants. His hesitation from third base, on a wild pitch, in the June 15th game contributed to their 10-9 loss to the Rockies.)


Kevin J. Marquez

Unbelievably Catchy

It is unbelievable what is happening to the 2017 San Francisco Giants. Indescribable things that are easier to explain if you saw it happen rather having to listen to it on the airwaves. Because these days, those guys calling the game are all but waving the white flag.

In Wednesday's game vs. the Royals on June 14th there were a couple of "duck snorts" just out of the reach of a Giant's fielder and then a base hit. In a game of inches you need to be within the grasp of the ball or else those inches turn into feet running around the base paths.

Then the 15 games under .500 (26-41) Giants head on to Colorado. To face a team whose record is 42-26. Bottom of the first went: Leadoff hitter hit a roller he beat out and Buster's throw hit him sending him to second base. Next batter hit was was described as a seeing-eye hit. Then Nolan Arenado hit what was described as a looping liner where nobody was. And just like that it was 2-0. Nobody hit the ball hard.

Top of the 2nd the Giants have the bases loaded and Story robs Span. Time to turn off the radio. Just too tough to listen to. Maybe tune in later. But the length of the game, where the game is being played (Colorado) and how it becomes endemic because you get a domino effect reaction that becomes Murphy's law. To use a baseball term, it's "catchy."

Fast forward to the 8th inning. Giants get a 3-run jack from Brandon Crawford, after a two-run shot by Buster Posey and a solo by Todd Hundley. They are now trailing by one run, 9-8.

In the 9th the Giants give Greg Holland his first blown save. But rather than take the lead going into the bottom half of the ninth they remain tied. How is this so? Because Denard- has a noticeable-Span between the ears. He hesitated on a passed ball in the 9th. This was a play where the runner just busts butt from third and just lets the chips fall where they may. Unlike Span's approach which was musical chairs all of the way. 


Kevin J. Marquez

(Denard) Span Between His Ears is Noticeably Vacant

One must think that Denard Span is a good ballplayer because he made it into the Major Leagues. And there is some merit to that belief because many players aren't good enough for one reason or another to make a career in major league baseball. Denard Span has had a career in major league baseball.

But it could be SO much better.

Long ago, when baseball cards cost .25 cents a pack, I was told by my father that baseball was a thinking man's game. You always had to be going over in your mind what you could do to better place yourself in scoring position or maneuver yourself to make a defensive play that will help prevent the opponent from being in position to score. THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING YOU COULD BE DOING!!

Backing up fielder on throws, taking the extra base when the fielder doesn't field the ball cleanly or just challenging the arm of an outfielder by taking the extra base. These aforementioned chances to help out his team don't often register for Denard Span. He's one of those guys coaches would be screaming, "Why don't you get a ticket and watch the game from the stands?"

Getting picked off base, once he reaches the base safely, or getting caught in a rundown because he misread the flight or direction of the ball is something he does with enough regularity you could hear the audible exhale from a Giant fan who recognized the guilty party. Denard Span's head is just not in the game. The span between his ears is noticeably vacant. 

And as far as his defense the only thing he gives you is the ability to catch up to some well-hit balls. But because he doesn't take the best angle on balls you would not be incorrect thinking he was fortunate when he does actually catch the fly ball. I am really surprised that every team doesn't challenge his arm whenever the ball is hit to him. His arm is that weak. 

Kevin J. Marquez