OT: The Jints and the Strangers. Who would've thunk it.

Anthony S. · #1 10-24-2010, 04:27 AM

Watching "Sarge" Matthews read the Phillies lineup last night reminded me of the first year I remember attending Giants games, 1974 (two years after Mays was traded -- dammit). I was six (I didn't get my driver's license until I was 5 and a half). We had Gary Matthews in left, Garry Maddox in center, and Bobby Bonds (the even dickier Bonds) in right. Within a year Maddox was a Philly -- the Giants traded him because they were concerned about his defense -- seriously (he won 8 consecutive Gold Gloves with the Phillies), and Matthews joined him in Philadelphia five or six years later. Anyway, all of this reminded me of the great Ralph Kiner quote about Garry Maddox:

"Two-thirds of earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Garry Maddox."

barrysloate · #2 10-24-2010, 06:36 AM

I've been a Giants fan since 1962 with nothing to show for it. Could this be the year? I think their starting pitching is about as good as one could hope for, and their bullpen seems to get the job done for the most part. Their starting line up- well, I don't know what to say about that. They average about four hits a game so it's tough to find much there. But they win.

Giants in six.

Rich Klein · #3 10-24-2010, 06:38 AM

Just want to see good games!

Rich

pgellis · #4 10-24-2010, 05:47 PM

Actually, I "bet" on both Texas & SF to win their series.....in a very good mood today.........obviously just bet Monopoly money

tbob · #5 10-24-2010, 06:43 PM

I don't think the Giants have enough pop in their bats. The Rangers are a typical AL team which can hit the ball hard 1-8 in the order plus this team has speed and a manager who loves the hit and run and to force the action. CJ Wilson is vastly underrated on the hill and Cliff Lee is the Man in postseason. Both bullpens are solid but the Giants are too one dimensional with their great pitching.
I think the Strangers win in 5.

David W · #6 10-24-2010, 07:46 PM

I wonder..... Does anybody actually know a Ranger fan?

Mikehealer · #7 10-24-2010, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David W

I wonder..... Does anybody actually know a Ranger fan?

I know quite a few.

tbob · #8 10-25-2010, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David W

I wonder..... Does anybody actually know a Ranger fan?

Football is king in Texas. Other than the hardcore fans of the UT baseball team, baseball plays second fiddle. They used to say there were two sports in Texas, College Football and Spring Football Practice. And of course there is "America's Team" the 'Boys. When I used to go to Rangers games to see the Twins play in Arlington the crowd was not what you would call the hardcore Reds, Cards, Cubs, Red Sox, Yanks, etc fans, it was more family outings, vacations for people who were going to Six Flags, etc. I think over the years the Strangers have developed more of a fan base but my take is other than the bandwaggoners this year, the real Rangers fan base is not that large.

Bridwell · #9 10-24-2010, 07:48 PM

Being a Texas resident, I'll be rooting for the Rangers and think they will do it.

The Rangers payroll is one of the lowest this year, 27th out of 30 teams. I love it when the lower payroll teams can win. Conversely, I have to chuckle when big-spending teams like New York, Boston and Philly strike out. Love it when team chemistry and baseball IQ wins out over big money.