Hawkin' a Loogie

The Giants ended a 4-game losing streak with a decent game against a mediocre Reds team last night. Win two, lose 4, win 1…that’s the Giants this year. I’m sure if I search back in the February entries of this blog, I’ll find one of my statements that suggested we were over-confident in the Giant’s starting pitching staff. Does anyone have an ERA under 5? Tonight the Hobos will find out if picking up Brett Tomko from the waiver wire was a good idea.

I was watching the game last night off and on. I got a chance to see Latroy Hawkins. He looked absolutely overpowering at first, striking out the first two batters. He threw a 98 mile an hour fastball at the knees and on the black which started outside and tailed back over the outside corner to a right hander that was just impossible to hit. It was reminiscent of that pitch Mariano Rivera throws. But then the pitches flattened out, avoiding a run when a gapper bounced over the fence for a ground rule double. He snuck out of the inning.

Despite his bad record when a save is not on the line, Tyler Walker came in for the 9th with a 5 run lead. He looked pretty good until he threw a 95 mph fastball in to Adam Dunn, who crushed it into McCovey Cove about 10 feet foul. Man, when that guy connects, he just mashes it, like Mickey, or maybe a little more like Dave Kingman.

Here are some quotes from a service we subscribe to that caught my eye:

As the Contra Costa Times reports, "Reliever Armando Benitez (right hamstring) began jogging, although trainer Stan Conte called it "sort of a fast-walk/jog." Benitez, who has been throwing on flat ground during much of the 91/2 weeks since his surgery, could begin pitching off a mound this week."

A sort of fast-walk job? Isn’t that sprinting for Benitez? Kind of like his sprint to first when he tore the hammy in the first place?

The Miami Herald reports that "Reliever John Riedling, who was optioned to Albuquerque on June 30, got off to a rough start with the Isotopes, surrendering five earned runs on six hits in 1 2/3 innings Tuesday. It was Riedling's first outing for Albuquerque."

I don’t care about former Pickled Peckler $1 pitcher Riedling. What caught my eye was the Albuquerque Isotopes. What’s next, the Area 51 Aliens?

According to the Contra Costa Times, "Center fielder Marquis Grissom (left hamstring) is working with a physical therapist in Las Vegas and is expected back Friday."

That’s a shame. All you Grissom fans can get excited now.

There was a reference to Colorado’s experimental plan to use six starters. That’s lot’s more quality starting pitchers for those of you in need of wins.

As the Houston Chronicle reports, "Third baseman Morgan Ensberg, hasn't given up hope of earning a spot on the All-Star team. With three All-Star position players on the disabled list or nursing injuries, there is a chance that Ensberg will join teammates Roy Oswalt, Roger Clemens and Brad Lidge for the All-Star game Tuesday at Detroit's Comerica Park."

How can Ensberg NOT be on the All-Star team. You can go back and check it – I wrote on March 8 that Barry should extend him. If Ensberg had a 8-06X contract, do you think he’d be able to trade him for that pitching he needs?

According to the Miami Herald, "Marlins first baseman Carlos Delgado said he would accept a chance to play in the All-Star Game if the offer was extended to him, but it appears unlikely he'll receive that opportunity."

I would accept a chance to play in the All-Star Game too, but it appears unlikely I’ll receive that opportunity.

Antonio Perez filled in for Jeff Kent (hamstring) superbly Wednesday. Perez went 3 for 5 with a homer and 5 RBI. Perez has been playing in a super utility role, but has been making starts at third base for injured Jose Valentin. He is batting .316 on the year. His other numbers are nothing to brag about (3 HR 16 RBI), but are otherwise solid. You should be aiming higher if you want to win your league, he should not be on your fantasy radar.

I put this here because Mark is marketing him like he’s the next A-Rod. Speaking of Mark, expert in all things Seinfeldian, I saw the episode last night in which a Kenny Rogers chicken franchise opens up across the street from Kramer’s apartment. “The Red Menace”. It also featured Elaine buying on the Peterman company tab an $8,000 sable hat for George. Jerry – “Why didn’t you get the big one?” Hilarious.