What To Think?

Ever since last night’s stirring chain of events, we’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster.

At first, we were utterly depressed, resigned that the Warriors were inevitably going to opt for another big white guy to join the likes of Mike Dunleavy, Troy Murphy and Todd Fuller.

Then we were absolutley elated when they chose Marco Belinelli out of nowhere. Mully, you sly fox you. The Italian guard appears to be a perfect fit in Nellie’s system. He shoots well (and often), can spread the floor, can finish on the break and might be the next Manu Ginobili.

Then we almost jumped off a bridge upon hearing that the W’s traded Jason Richardson for … Brandan Wright? Huh? Are you kidding me? Why would they trade a fan favorite, a loyal player and a pretty damn good scorer for an unproven, skinny kid who can’t shoot?

Then we were confused that the second round pick played on the national team for a country called “Gabon.” Cue the Googles. Turns out it’s a real country … in central Africa, FYI.

Then we were mad about the Wright move again. Isn’t the time to win now? He might be good later, but he was widely regarded as one of the top players not ready to contribute right away. Baron can’t hold up for more than two more years, wethinks.

Then we understood the move a bit. It gives the W’s a lot of cap space, and even though one might argue that J-Rich is the kind of player you make cap space for in the first place, perhaps the flexibility will allow the W’s to make a splash in the FA market this year or next. Rashard Lewis would certainly look pretty in a City throwback. As would Gerald Wallace.

In the end, we’re still not sure what to think about the Wright-Richardson trade, but we are sure of four things:

1. We’re firmly entrenched on the Marco Belinelli bandwagon.

2. Monta Ellis better step up.

3. The Warriors are not done wheeling and dealing.

4. We’ll miss Jason.

Warriors Pre-Draft Thoughts

The draft is upon us.

We’ve just gotten excellent news that Nellie is staying. Could this mean that they know something we don’t?

Mully and the Warriors have been extremely active on the phones thus far, as the rumor mill has been churning for weeks now, leading to tonight. Monta Ellis, Jason Richardson, Andris Biedrins and Adonal Foyle (really) have all been prominent in trade talks, with the W’s going hard after Chinese phenom Yi Jialian, who is projected to go anywhere from #3 to #11.

Our thoughts:

• Keep J-Rich. Maybe we’re suckers for nice guys and loyalty, but how many NBA players take out full-page apologies? We’re also willing to bet that the jump-shooting, lay-up prone J-Rich we saw in the second half of last season will be replaced by a fully healthy, in-shape retro version next year. Which means dunks.
• If Monta Ellis can get the Warriors in the Top 10, you have to consider it. If Atlanta is willing to swap the #3, pull the trigger and take Al Horford. Easy decision. If it comes down to Yi or even Joakim Noah for Ellis, we say roll the dice and do it. Yi and Noah have bust potential, but combo guards like Ellis are much easier to find than 7’0″ uber-athletic (yes, uber) guys who would be perfect in Nellie’s system: run, jump, catch alley-oop. Also consider Ellis’ injury history, his size (how many 6’0″ impure point guards have been successful in the league?), and the doubt that we’ll be able to resign him.

If we keep the #18 pick, the following players have been slotted in the draft range:

• Thaddeus Young: A lefty leaper, Josh Smith Jr; but we have plenty of swingmen, unless we lose both Matt Barnes and Mickael Pietrus. Maybe.
• Sean Williams: The big man who draws comparisons to Amare Stoudemire is easily the best defensive big man in the draft not named Greg. A Top Ten talent, but his checkered history is troubling. Check out this article on him. We’d roll the dice on Williams, hoping to get lucky at #18 and stealing the sleeper of the draft. But we don’t have to live with the consequences.
• Jason Smith: Not another center who dominated in a second tier conference. We’ve been down this road before with Patrick O’Bryant, Adonal Foyle and Todd Fuller. Most mock drafts have the W’s taking Smith. Shudder. /negativity
• Josh McRoberts: No.
• Julian Wright: If he’s there, Mullin has to take him right? Most drafts have Wright going in the #8-#15 range, but some have him falling.
• Petteri Koponen: Yeah yeah, too early for #18, but at #36, we hope he’s there. The Finnish point guard is a personal favorite and we will never ever forgive the W’s if they pass on him at #36. We’re rooting for him to fall, but we’d bet the house that a savvy team like the Spurs or Mavs snatch up the Flying Finn. Fall, Finn, Fall!
• Other players we’d snatch up in the second round (we also have the #46) : Marco Belinelli, Jared Dudley (will be gone), Taurean Green, Marcus Williams, DJ Strawberry (if only for the Daaaaaarrrrrrylll, Daaaaaaaarrrrryll chants), Aaron Brooks (please please take him at #46), Michael Fey (just kidding)
• Avoid: Glen “Big Baby” Davis, Arron Afflalo (sorry Bruins), Aaron Gray

Nostalgia: Whatever Happened To … Geronimo Berroa?

Geronimo Berroa was one of the free-swinging A’s of the mid-90s. You’ll recall that those teams relied heavily on the long ball, the lineup scattered with the likes of Mark McGwire, Matt Stairs, Jason Giambi, and uh, Ernie Young.

Berroa came into the league in the late ’80s with big expectations from the Braves organization. He could never put it together in the minors though, basically sucking his way into getting released in 1991. Over the next couple years, he tried his hand with the Mariners, Indians, Marlins and Reds before stopping in Oakland, his sixth organization in three years.

Berroa’s wanton offensive ways fit in perfectly with the relaxed A’s team. He stepped in as the DH and contributed immediately, hitting .306 in 1994. He had his best year two years later, in 1996, when he swatted 36 homeruns, along with 106 RBIs and a tidy .290 average. The A’s traded him to the Orioles the following year; he never duplicated his Oaktown success. He hit three homeruns over the next three seasons after his trade to Baltimore. Interesting, no?

As for his current whereabouts e’s believed to have returned to his native Dominican Republic, where seedy former athletes have been seizing his house and possessions. Or something along those lines.

Also, the most fun thing about Berroa was his first name. Geronimo!

Geronimo Berroa [Baseball Reference]

Clip Of The Day: One Reason NOT To Trade Jason Richardson

With a cornucopia of trade rumors circling J-Rich lately, we thought we’d provide a good reason to keep Jason around the Bay: he’s a great guy.

Here’s hoping Patrick O’Bryant likes popcorn. Considering how the rookie performed last year, he’s lucky it’s just popcorn.

Quote of the video, by that Frenchman Mickael Pietrus (sporting the bright green pants!) in the background: “Hawpee New Yeeeaaawww!!”

The “Keep J-Rich Movement” starts … now.

(Note: It seems Monta Ellis has become the latest Warrior to be involved in trade talk.)

Nostalgia: The 1995 Draft, Revisited

This media-roundup video of the 1995 Draft is a little long, but full of gems, including the debate between Jerry Stackhouse, Rasheed Wallace and “the safe pick,” Joe Smith. It’s downright painful at some points.

Aside from a young(er) Gary Radnich and a Mark Ibanez sighting (!), our favorite part is this Greg Papa quote: “People want to get Karl Malone and Derrick Coleman and all these great power forwards.”

Yep, Derrick Coleman: great power forward.

Giants Roundup: BONDS OUT FOR TWO MONTHS

• Stop the presses! Stop the presses! Barry Bonds tore two ligaments in his left ankle! He’s expected to be out for two months! … Oh, you say that just happened to Bonds’ son, the Giants’ bat-boy? But it’s on the ESPN front page and everything. Yeah, this thing is getting out of hand. [ESPN]
• Seeing as how Bonds is struggling so much, why in the world do teams keep walking him? [Ostler Blog]
• Barry Bonds, a giver after all. [SJ Merc]
• Both Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr believe Bonds should be in the All-Star game, unquestionably. The Hall of Fame though … [SFGate]
• Never one to take personal jabs (sarcasm), Jeff Pearlman says Barry Zito has changed for the worse since coming up as a quirky, easygoing lefty in the A’s system. This quick but scathing article is a must-read for both Giants and A’s fans. [ESPN]
• What else could the Giants be spending Zito’s $126 million on? A couple F-14 fighter jets, for starters. [100% Injury Rate]
• If Sabean has a roster fire sale, who would we miss? [McCovey Chronicles]
• How are the old men holding up in the doldrums of summer? Omar Vizquel has “tightness in his right groin” and Rich Aurilia has a “neck strain.” Heavens.
• Rod Beck would never have driven a Lexus. Can’t tap a keg in the back. [ESPN]

Our NBA Draft Wish List, Picks 6-10

The interwebs are completely abuzz with news, notes, rumors and the like regarding Thursday’s NBA Draft. With the NBA playoffs (Warriors aside) evolving into a snoozefest, the draft is the last hope for entertainment for basketball lovers everywhere … at least until the fall. So, we’d like to present a version of the draft that is sure to provide maximum entertainment. Sure it won’t happen … but you can imagine if it did!

6. Milwaukee Bucks: Andrew Bogut is severely disappointed that none of the options are Australian, let alone old enough to drink, thus robbing him of a potential drinking buddy. Following their course, the Bucks opt for yet another safe pick, Georgetown’s Jeff Green.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kevin McHale announces that he made a promise to big man Spencer Hawes, saying that he’s got “a good feeling” about the 7’1″ white guy who barely averaged six rebounds a game. Upon hearing that Minnesota A) drafted Hawes and B) failed to get a deal done, Kevin Garnett suddenly disappears, like the world movers in Atlas Shrugged … what?

Our NBA Draft Wish List, Picks 1-5

The interwebs are completely abuzz with news, notes, rumors and the like regarding Thursday’s NBA Draft. With the NBA playoffs (Warriors aside) evolving into a snoozefest, the draft is the last hope for entertainment for basketball lovers everywhere … at least until the fall. So, we’d like to present a version of the draft that is sure to provide maximum entertainment. Sure it won’t happen … but you can imagine if it did!

1. Portland Trailblazer: As soon as David Stern utters the words “Kevin Durant” on the podium, a symphony of murmurs and oohs/aahs spreads across the draft room. The camera inexplicably remains on Greg Oden, as smoke visibly emanates from the ears of the 40-year-old center who was widely regarded as the #1 pick. Durant happily struts on stage to greet Stern, but once the commissioner gives him the Blazer baseball cap, the lanky teenager buckles from the weight of the hat. Meanwhile, Portland GM Kevin Pritchard talks to Stuart Scott on ESPN, explaining that they couldn’t pass on Michael Jordan again, and that Greg Oden seemed too much like Sam Bowie. Durant goes on to become an evolved version of Glenn Robinson, while …

2. Seattle Supersonics: Fresh off his snub from Portland, Greg Oden refuses to smile for the next ten years. He goes on a workout regimen the likes of which Roger Clemens, Jerry Rice and the U.S. Marines have never seen. The following season, rookie Oden dominates the league, including a 40-point, 20-rebound game against Portland in which his vicious dunks injure the entire Blazer frontline. Oden goes on to win eleven championships (tying his idol/mentor Bill Russell) as he establishes himself as one of the best players of all-time.

So Many Questions, So Few Wins

We’re not sure why, but we can’t get enough of “Uh, Meatball?”

The “Q&A” ad campaign from a couple years ago was one of the best ad campaigns in recent memory. Granted, this year’s team isn’t exactly bubbling over in personality, but we would still enjoy a renaissance of the spots.

Some possible questions:

“Hey Barry Zito, is your mattress really stuffed with $100 bills?”

“Hey Randy Winn, do you ever sit in Bonds’ leather recliner, just to piss him off?”

“Hey Matt Cain, if you had to shoot one player on the team, who would it be? Vinnie Chulk, right?

“Hey Bruce Bochy, do you cry yourself to sleep?”

“Hey Mark Sweeney, have you given any HGH to any leftfielders this year?”

“Hey Ray Durham, has anyone ever told you that you look like my friend Devin?”

“Hey Luis Figueroa, how does it feel to embark on your 11th professional campaign as a non-roster invitee? I mean, you’re 5’9″ and 33 years old. Maybe you should try your hand at law school or something?”

“Hey Randy Messenger, why do you wear your hat like that?”

Which Teams Have Had The Most Steroid/HGH Users?

To the best of our knowledge (actually, this site’s knowledge), 56 Major League baseball players have been known (or highly suspected) to have taken steroids or HGH, either by positive tests, their own admission or others’ implication. But which teams have been at the center of the steroid maelstrom?

To answer that question, we’ve put together the first-ever Steroid Standings. We merely took the team of the player in question and tallied the results. However, it only counts if the incident occurred while the player was on the team. For example, Jason Giambi admitted (in the leaked grand jury testimony) to have used a myriad of BALCO boosters while a member of the Oakland A’s, so he counts to Oakland’s total, not the Yankees’. Conversely, Juan Gonzalez was implicated twice, once while a Ranger and then as an Indian; he counts for both.

Again, the players in question are merely a result of what’s been in the media and not meant to imply guilt. Some of the implicated users are from the Grimsley case and BALCO case, while others are from Jose Canseco’s book (which obviously should be taken with several grains of salt). An asterisk (*) signifies a positive drug test and a double asterisk (**) signifies an admitted user. Here are the Steroid Standings:

• Baltimore Orioles, 7: Rafael Palmeiro*, Jason Grimsley, David Segui**, Miguel Tejada, Jerry Hairston, Brian Roberts, Jay Gibbons
• Oakland A’s, 6: Jason Giambi**, Jeremy Giambi**, Jose Canseco**, Mark McGwire, Ozzie Canseco, Randy Velarde
• Tampa Bay Devil Rays, 6: Wilson Alvarez, Dave Martinez, John Rocker**, Tony Saunders, Alex Sanchez*, Juan Salas*
• Texas Rangers, 5: Juan Gonzalez, Ivan Rodriguez, Jose Canseco, Gary Matthews Jr, Carlos Almanzar*
• San Francisco Giants, 5: Barry Bonds**, Bobby Estalella**, Armando Rios**, Benito Santiago**, Marvin Benard
• New York Yankees, 4: Gary Sheffield**, Jim Leyritz**, Roger Clemens, Matt Lawton*
• Seattle Mariners, 4: Bret Boone, Jamal Strong*, Ryan Franklin*, Mike Morse*
• New York Mets, 4: Yusaku Iriki*, Guillermo Mota*, Felix Heredia*, Lenny Dykstra

Obviously, the numbers are skewed based on where the steroid busts/implications have been, so teams with the BALCO guys (Giants), the Grimsley guys (Orioles) and Canseco (A’s, Rangers) have inflated stats. The Mets and Mariners have had the most positive tests though. Food for thought.

List of Steroid & hGH Users in Baseball [Baseball's Steroid Era]

The Only Rod We Ever Loved

As you may have heard, former Giants closer Rod “Shooter” Beck was found dead in his home on Saturday. He was only 38 years old. In the ’90s, Beck was a Bay Area fan favorite (and a favorite of the sports writers), not to mention a damn good closer. From his epic, ice-cold save to clinch the 1997 division title to his singular mustache-mullet appearance (with a personality to match), Beck’s place as a Giants icon was well-cemented even before the weekend’s tragic events. Perhaps even more notable is the amount of heartwarming stories and anecdotes about Beck, be it his work with pediatric AIDS or his habit of picking up hundred dollar bar tabs for complete strangers.

There was no one like “Shooter” and it’s safe to say there won’t be ever again. He found a way into people’s hearts.

Here are some classic Rod Beck quotes:

On new teammate David Wells: “I loved the Wells pickup… I mean, I looked over at him in the clubhouse the other day and it was like seeing myself. Everybody always counts out the bald, fat dude, and yet we’re always there at crunch time. Only thing is, David’s lost about 30 pounds. He’s a mini-me.”

On new teammate Jeff Kent: “I think he’s a hell of a nice guy. But you know, even if he isn’t a nice guy, can he play? That’s what I want to know. I like this guy as a ballplayer more than anything. Good guys are great if they can play.”

On maintaining his weight is not a problem: “I’ve never seen anyone on the disabled list with pulled fat.”

On extending his contract after helping the Cubs reach the 1998 NLDS: “It’s not about money. It’s about winning and getting over the hump. We’ve had the appetizer now, but we left the main course on the table.”

On Blue Jays manager Buck Martinez’s reference to the Red Sox as “Dirt Bags”: “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Asked if he had acted before: “Sure, every time I went out to the mound. It was all an act.”

ROD BECK: 1968-2007 [SFGate]

What a relief it was to have ‘Shooter’ around [SFGate]

Giants Roundup: Time Doesn’t Heal All Wounds. Right, Cody Ransom?

• Hey Giants fans, need a pick-me-up? A reminder of the good times? Sorry, the Chronicle would like to remind of one of the most heartbreaking losses in Giants history, Game 7 of the 1962 World Series. Well at least we’ve gotten close since then. Once.

That Fall Classic ended with both a bang and a whimper, a blistering line drive that was caught, leaving a sellout crowd at Candlestick Park in stunned, defeated silence.

It was baseball at its heart-stopping best. The Giants trailed 1-0 with two outs in the ninth inning, but they had the Yankees right where they wanted them: Matty Alou on third, Willie Mays on second, and cleanup hitter Willie McCovey coming up against the Yankees’ Ralph Terry.

On a 1-1 pitch, McCovey lined a ball that second baseman Bobby Richardson speared after moving slightly to his left. “I couldn’t hit that ball any better,” said McCovey, 69, who never got any closer to the brass ring. [SFGate]

• Yep, that’s probably how the Yankees series is going to go. [McCovey Chronicles]
• See, losing is good. Instead of the slow deterioration of the last several years–which saw the Giants gradually devolve from World Series contender to respectable third place team–this year is a full-blown stinkfest. Consider this year to be a swift bullet in the head rather than a painful hospital bed death. Or something like that. [Bugs & Cranks]
• Bruce Jenkins is not surprised the Giants are in last place. Not surprised at all. [SFGate]
• Before the Shinjo Era dawned, the Giants were home to the first Japanese baseball player in the league, when the summer of 1962 brought 20-year-old reliever Masanori “Mashi” Murakami to the Bay. [The Extrapolator]
• The Giants will definitely be prime players in the upcoming Alex Rodriguez sweepstakes. [SJ Merc]
• Matt Morris is still friends with the late Darryl Kile. [Official Site]
• Shockingly, the New York media has opinions on Barry Bonds. [NY Daily News]
• People want names out of Jason Grimsley. [Steroid Nation]
• The always excellent Jayson Stark put forth two points about the Giants. First, Matt Cain might be the best 2-7 pitcher in history. He has lost two 1-0 games and one 2-0 game. The bullpen has blown three saves. The “offense” has scored two runs or fewer in nine of his starts. Second, a National League front-officer has this to say on the possibility of trading Barry Bonds this year: “The Giants would have to assume all the money. He’s got a no-trade in his contract, and he’s a 10-and-5 man. He can’t run at all. He can’t play the outfield. Every ball hit into the left-field corner is a double or a triple because he can’t get there. His bat has slowed down. And I even think he looks unsure of himself at the plate. He’s not swinging at good pitches like he used to. And he’s not driving the ball like he used to. So I can’t see any way [he gets traded].” [ESPN]

A’s Roundup: Goodbye Milton; Hello Shea

• Milton Bradley is feeling the roster crunch. [SFGate]
• Some fans show their appreciation for Bradley … [Athletics Nation]
• … while others take stabs at the real reason behind the surprising move. [The Drumbeat]
• Rich Harden had a good–albeit short– relief outing in Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday and has been cleared to return. He’s expected to join the A’s this weekend as a reliever while he rebuilds his arm strength. [ESPN]
• While Dan Haren looks to be the AL starter in the All-Star game, Alan Embree may be the biggest surprise/success story on the A’s staff this year. Since filling in for the injured Huston Street, the lefty closer has converted eight of nine saves; in his last seven outings, he’s racked up 10 K’s and no runs. [SFGate]
• Tony LaRussa is dead sexy. [Deadspin]
• There shan’t be a Big Apple homecoming for Mike Piazza this weekend. [NY Post]
• Dave Stewart’s All-Star picks: John Lackey on the mound, Victor Martinez behind the dish, among others. [Throwin Heat]
• Miggy’s gonna have to start a new streak. [ESPN]
• If there was ever a New York name on the A’s roster, it’s Lenny DiNardo. He takes the mound against Tom Glavine at Shea tonight, 4pm Left Coast time.

[Photo courtesy: MSN]

Terrible Giants Teams: 2007 Versus 1996

At 30-41, the Giants are on nearly the same embarrassing pace as the last Giants to team to finish in last place: the 1996 wonders that finished with 94 losses.

Let’s take a closer look at how the two teams measure up against each other, position by position.

Catcher: Bengie Molina is the MVP of this current Giants squad. After hearing stories of Molina steaming for an hour after losses, still in his gear, there’s no doubt in our mind that he should be the Giants’ All-Star representative. Send the guy who actually cares about wins and losses. Plus, he’s leading the team in hitting (.294). As for the 1996 team, catching duties were split between Rick Wilkins (who could hit but not throw), Kirt Manwaring (who could throw but not hit) and Tom Lampkin (who just sucked). Edge: 2007

1st Base: It’s bad when the ESPN stats page doesn’t even recognize your team as having a starting first baseman. It’s worse when your two-man platoon of Rich Aurilia and Ryan Klesko (five homers combined–at a power position, we remind you) might not hit more homeruns than the quite possibly the single worst regular first baseman in memory: Mark Carreon. The Klesko/Aurilia combo is hitting exactly .260. Carreon hit exactly .260 with nine homeruns in 1996. Heavens. Edge: 1996, because Carreon was one person and Klesko/Aurilia are two people. In theory.

Baron Davis, Stylin’ Freely

Who knew? In this video from the guys over at 100%, Baron ain’t half bad at talking quickly and rhyming off the top of his head. Let’s just hope he’s working out in between stints in chic London hip-hop shoe stores, because the last things the Warriors need is a complacent, out-of-shape Baron to show up at camp at the end of the summer.

Anyhoo, Baron Davis need a rap name. Just about anything is better than the NBA rapper-precedent of “Shaq Fu.” Suggestions?

Early candidates: BoomDizzle, B-Diddy, Beard-Thugs-N-Harmony, BD (has a) Cool J.

BDizzle has a second career waiting [100% Injury Rate]