Over-Managing

Why does a lefty always have to face a lefty? Due to the frequency of this, did it ever occur to some manager that you just might be doing that batter a favor? Heck, knowing the percentages, why wouldn't a lefty practice mostly against lefties?
The other side of this argument is on behalf of the pitcher. Here, you have a guy settling into a pretty good groove and you're going to let the opposing manager dictate how this particular game is to be played. Percentages certainly wouldn't allow me to lose faith in the pitcher just because the opposing manager makes a high percentage move. 
Back to the batter, he has to be strong-willed and not tolerate this disbelief from anyone. Nobody is cutting into your confidence. It's not you who doesn't believe you can do it. Give yourself the best chance to succeed by being disciplined enough to only swing at strikes.

Kevin J. Marquez

Start Planning for Next Year

After losing 3-1 in the 9th inning and 2-1 in the 8th, against last year's World Series champion Astros, tells me the Giants need to be planning for 2019.

Let's see how Chris Shaw hits big league pitching. If there is anyone who can pitch in the big leagues. Pan the minors to see if there are any nuggets.

Is Bruce Bochy coming back? Is the decision his? If so, I say he comes back for another season. He has some unfinished business due to all of this year's injuries.  The decision will likely be determined in how the team finishes the season. I don't think I will be surprised if the brass goes in another direction.


Kevin J. Marquez

You Don't Adjust to Magoo's Strike Zone!!!

Throughout the game, while David B. Fleming was doing the play-by-play, he kept referring to the strike zone as, "he's been calling them that way, all game long." Yes, he had. And Magoo was all over the place in doing so.
How can we expect a batter to adjust to a strike zone that isn't a rulebook zone? Pitches were too low to swing at. Unhittable.

It has always been understood that the batters need to adjust to the umpire and not the other way around. But if the ball is too low, too high, too wide or too inside, YOU CANNOT MAKE ANY ADJUSTMENTS. The major leagues don't reprimand inconsistent umpires who struggle mightily with discerning a strike from a ball. These Magoos umpire home plate every fourth day despite their futile attempts to run a ball game. And it's unfortunate for the paying customer to witness this hazy focus at home plate. Baseball, by leaving these guys in there to miss calls, doesn't want the repeat customer. Businesses have longed for the repeat customer, baseball isn't one of them.

Kevin J. Marquez