Game chat: Young dynamos settle series today

Tim Lincecum (4-1, 1.73 ERA) and the Giants meet Cole Hamels (3-3, 2.70) and the Phillies in the finale of their three-game series. First pitch is 1:35.

Preview: We know about Hamels, who’s been superb except for the eighth inning. Lincecum has also lived up to the hype. He ranks among the league leaders in several categories, but most importantly, has been terrific on the road, recording a league-best 0.52 ERA away from San Francisco, including 16 1-3 consecutive scoreless innings away from AT&T Park. [Live Boxscore]

Comments

[laramie]

Hopefully we won't see Day-Game Hamels today. He'll need his A-game against Lincecum, who is so much fun to watch. He's definitely the most exciting player on this sad Giants franchise, in my opinion. It's hard not to root for a young kid who seems to enjoy the game so much (although I'll make an exception for today).

[Andy]

laramie - for what it's worth, Lincecum has also shown difficulty in handling day game starts in his brief career. So maybe it will be more of a 4 - 3 game than a 2 - 1.

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

Re-posted from Earlier: I am very interested to see how Lincecum approaches Howard. My guess, high and inside.

I'm starting to get concerned about Howard at this point. I have taken the "wait and see" approach for a long time, but there are a few items that give me a sense that something may be different.

While I was at a Phillies game a few years back (Howards rookie season), I talked to a guy that described himself as an agent for one of the players. We got to discussing Howard. My input was essentially fawning over the immense talent of Howard and wondering what to do with Thome. The other guy was much more skeptical. He repeatedly, confidently, stated that Howard can't hit the inside fast-ball, and that whatever power he had could be neutralized by throwing him inside consistently. This was no isolated claim, as I heard the same statements on ESPN, and other baseball telecasts.

The thing that is really concerning to me, is that, this is how pitchers are getting him out right now. Previously, he had managed to debunk the critics about his major weakness. Now it seems his kryptonite is back. Watching Howard bat in the last few seasons, pitchers quickly abandoned any attempt to throw him inside, opting to throw away from him with mostly breaking balls. This was effective to an extent, but easier said than done when considering the control necessary to make such pitches on the corner consistently without racking up BB. This season, the slider approach is still happening, but now, he is getting thrown inside more, and the only time I remember him not getting K'd was against Matt Morris.

The question is this: How did Howard avoid K's or weak outs on inside pitches in the past? Why is this effective as a way to get him out now? Some have suggested that he has moved closer to the plate recently. I see that to some extent, and it would definitely be a good reason as to why he is getting thrown more inside. I have said before, I think that the reason he stands so far off the plate is to be able to hit the inside fast-ball. I'm just throwing this out to see if anyone else has noticed this trend. I hope that he can figure out how to fix this problem like he did in his rookie and second seasons.

[Andy]

For what it's worth (a decidedly small sample size), the Phils have handled Lincecum (9 for 34) better than the Giants have handled Hamels (5 for 36). I think they've only faced each other once, and I do not know the outcome of the game; but Utley seemed to have Lincecum lined up. I'm guardedly optimistic that the Phils won't be total toast this P.M.

[johnnysanz3]

re: Howard

Maybe cigars and rum aren't doing it anymore for Jobu.

[Andy]

johnnysanz3 - Maybe Jobu wants a date with the Diva chick that made you sigh yesterday.

[MG]

Get to see the Giants out here and as impressive as Hamels has been this season, Lincecum has been better. Hopefully Lincecum makes one or two mistakes the Phils can put in the seats today. If not, they are going to lose.

[raiojr]

I may have missed it in the pre-game, but wheres Harry Kalas?

[MG]

This Giants lineup today is really weak even for a Sunday day game. Bunch of stiffs (Aurilia, Castillo) and marginal younger guys (Orteimier, Velez).

[MG]

After looking at the lineups and the game-day conditions, this has the makings of one of those rare 3-2 or 2-1 games at CBP.

[Spitz]

Hindsignt is 20-20, but you need to have Bruntlet bunt Vic over in this type of game.

[MG]

One slight consolation - Lincecum hasn't been able to throw that 94 or 95 MPH fastball at the knees for a strike out yet. He gets that going and the Phils aren't going to touch him today.

[MG]

Damn. That was a mistake to Howard that he just missed on.

[Brian Guenther]

Against a pitcher like this you have to have Bruntlett bunt him over.

[MG]

Brian - Agreed. Lincecum showed Bruntlett no respect and threw 3 fastballs in a row right down the plate. Of course Bruntlett Ked.

[drake]

who does cole think he is with all these assists? kyle kendrick?

[AWH the RBP]

IMO, Jenkins could have had that ball. Werth would have.

[AWH the RBP]

Very Areu-esque.

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

Sometimes it is good to just take a moment to appreciate how good Hamels is on the mound. The guy is a genius on the mound......

And then he almost gives up a knock as I'm typing this. But seriously, this guy might be the best pitcher in the NL.

[AWH the RBP]

The good news so far is Hamels is dealing.

[drake]

werth would have definitely gotten that one, and against this lineup i'd be surprised if lincecum has less than 10 Ks

[AWH the RBP]

err... Abreu-esque.

[drake]

Abreu-esque, haha! now here comes the abreu fans!

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

Over/Under:

20 K's between Hamels and Lincecum. I'm going over.

[AWH the RBP]

Time for Chollie to pull Pat for a pinch runner.

[drake]

i'll take the over too

[raiojr]

Inside/Outside the Parker
"The good news so far is Hamels is dealing"

I don't know that Brandon Webb fella is pretty good.

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

Over Under:

Manchine turning on a 95 MPH fastball. OVER!!

[diggitydave]

Put in Taguchi to run for Pat!!

[drake]

at least the fans at the bank are cooler after that jenkins whiff

[diggitydave]

Haha AWH, didn't see your comment already.. Beat me to the punch

[drake]

pinch runner would've scored too. could've been the game winning run with these two on the mound

[AWH the RBP]

Lincecum daring Cole to swing.

[johnnysanz3]

A popup? come on.

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

Who is the Catcher that is in the minors? The one that can hit, but not really known for his defense?

[drake]

lincecum looks like he's twelve in his yahoo box score picture

[drake]

jaramillo?

[AWH the RBP]

That inning got blown up by Jenkins cooling off the stadium with a wiff on a high changeup. If he just puts the ball in play Pat's on third and scores on Feliz's hit.

BTW, why didn't Chollie try to bunt Pat over, just like Victorino. Bruntlett's hitting better than Jenkins right now, so why didn't Chollie have Jenkins try to lay one down?

The inconsistency is mind-boggling.

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

Not Jarmillo, the guy that can hit. This is starting to sound like a Yogi Berra, AFLAC commercial.

[drake]

marson?

[MG]

The number of swing and misses today is ridiculous so far. Both guys are dealing.

[MG]

Give me this type of game any day of the week over a 9-7 slugfest. Love watching two great young pitchers.

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

Marson, that's it. Any chance we see that guy this season? I'm having serious doubts about Ruiz being able to hit any decent pitching. For that matter, I'm having doubts about him hitting any pitching consistently. When Coste is not in the lineup, Catcher is an automatic out. Ruiz does the same thing every time. Popup to 2B, or a weak dribbler to 2B. He has no clue.

[MG]

Holm has no arm. Time to get the running game going here.

[drake]

i doubt it, marson hasn't found any power yet, but he's hitting for a good average. however, he can get on base at a good clip, .435 OBP

[AWH the RBP]

Time for Vic to steal 3B.

[johnnysanz3]

Score a damn run!

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

I'd be willing to give Ruiz some credit if he was actually playing good defense, but he is not doing anything special. He was much better last year defensively. I don't know what the stats are, but the Phillies have to be pretty low on base-runners thrown out at second. IMO, if the catcher is horrible with the bat, and has no negligible redeeming value with the glove, then why not go with another guy that can hit. I can't imagine Marson doing any worse at the plate than Ruiz, and as long as he is not totally inept defensively, why not give him a shot as the second catcher.

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

"negligible", ixnay on the "no"

[drake]

we'll definitely see jaramillo before we see marson, but i'd say the smart money is on coste taking most of the playing time with ruiz spelling him if anything were to change.

[PhillyFanintheBurgh]

You can't send Ruiz down yet. He's the best shot the Phills have as a long term solution at catcher. I think Coste should get more starts but the other guys aren't any better than Ruiz.

[AWH the RBP]

I'll be surprised if they pitch to Burrell.

[MG]

Great point by Krukow (Giants' announcers) - Howard is dropping his back shoulder alot and that is creating a swing that is not level. Great for handing pitches that are low but leaves you completely vulnerable to stuff up.

[dkit]

most bases are stolen on the pitcher though. while it's nice to see the catcher gunning everyone out, that number can be deceiving at times since it doesn't reflect how great of a jump the runner gets off the pitcher. just off memory I know a lot of the stolen base attempts against the phils neither catcher had a chance to throw the runner out. Like in last nights game all those stolen bases that happened towards the end of the game.

[drake]

good news on howard: at least he's not striking out.

[MG]

Sending Ruiz is a stupid notion. No better internal solution and it has only been a month.

[MG]

Bad pitch and Burrell made him pay. Nice AB.

[johnnysanz3]

Machine isn't programmed to fail!

[Josh]

Manchine in operation.

[drake]

machine OWNS lincecum, nice rip pat!

[redbeard]

MACHINE.

[AWH the RBP]

Pat was waiting for that offspeed pitch. And chalk me up as being surprised that they pitched to Pat. he is so quick through the strike zone right now with his bat, he's handling almost everything.

[PhillyFanintheBurgh]

If I were a Giants fan I would be livid right now.

[AWH the RBP]

And Jenkins provides and exclamation point by striking out.

What were they thinking pitching to the Manchine?

[curt]

Jenkins keep coming up small.

[MG]

That changeup to Burrell just was a bad pitch. It hung up in the middle of the zone but Lincecum has been mowing Phils' hitters with it.

[drake]

walking pat would've been a good move, jenkins has looked terrible in both of his at bats today.

[BobWalk]

Watching Jenkins try to hit is just painful ... Isn't it about time we allow Werth some starts against righties?

[MG]

Nothing on the outside corner today for Hamels. Squeezed on 4/5 pitches already.

[AWH the RBP]

Lincecum threw 30 pitches that inning. He's up to 62 already.

[AWH the RBP]

BobWalk: I was thnking the same thing myself. Werth should get an opportunity, especially against a fastball pitcher like Lincecum.

[Andy]

change low outside corner coming up

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

MG: Maybe so, but at least Coste needs to get some more starts, unless he is incapable of handling it physically. But at this point, what is Ruiz bringing to the table? Coste hits better, calls a better game, and whatever difference there is in defense is negligible.

[johnnysanz3]

I guess Cole likes tie games

[MG]

Supposed to be up and out and it was midde in. That was a big mistake by Hamels.

[MG]

Parker - Coste has been starting 2-3 times a week which is fine. If anything, I would rather have Cholly split up Utley and Howard in the lineup or play Dobbs more than 1/week at 3B.

[Andy]

Aurilia is the one guy in the SF line-up who has hit Cole in the past...oh, well.

[Brian Guenther]

Way to keep Lincecum's pitch count down Pedro.

[Andy]

It's okay...the bottom of the line-up is coming up, and two of those guys have a better OPS+ than Howard!!!

*chortles while imagining Cole doing a Manchine impression*

[Andy]

So, Guenther, my Gameday doesn't have the bottom half up yet and Pete Happy's already out? Surprise, surprise.

[Andy]

Every time Feliz makes an out on a first pitch when the Phils are not at least 2 runs ahead, the first base coach should just slap. Really. He should just rear back and let him open hand across the jowls. What is the guy thinking?

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

MG: I disagree with that. Howard is struggling, but he represents an actual offensive threat. His presence in the lineup (no matter where he is batting, which is another issue), changes the dynamic of the team. Ruiz on the other hand, has little offensive value. The fact that he continues to make gaffs on throws to third is concerning as well, regardless of whether stolen bases are predominantly taken on the pitcher.

[Andy]

Who was that offering the 20Ks over under? With 150 pitches thrown and only 10 Ks, I'll take the under. (I know I'm late.)

Creepers. What happened to the Cole we saw in the first couple innings?

[Brian G]

Andy: All the time on here and you don't have mlb.tv? Come on buddy, lay down a few bucks.

[curt]

Hamels is usually cruising at this point in the game.

[MG]

Parker - Coste isn't an everyday player at C and Cholly has basically been platooning him with Ruiz by giving him at least 3 starts a week the past two weeks. What more do you want?

[MG]

And the suggestion to bring up Marson at this point is just ridiculous. He just isn't ready and needs more time in the minors.

[redbeard]

vic having a nice afternoon

[MG]

Time to steal a damn base here.

[MG]

Phils caught another break here. Need to take advantage.

[redbeard]

no outs, here come the big bats...

[Andy]

You calling me cheap, Guenther?

.

.

Okay.

[Andy]

Nuts.

I bet the Giants are really glad that they have Castillo instead of Feliz right now.

[AWH the RBP]

Ryan....just get the game to Pat.

[MG]

Why are teams pitching around Howard? I would go right at him.

[MG]

Lincecum overthrew threw but some poor pitch selection by Holm.

[AWH the RBP]

MG, because despite his struggles, he can change a game with one swing.

[AWH the RBP]

Burrell will get walked now.

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

Well, I consider the Barajas move last season as a ringing lack of an endorsement to either Ruiz or Coste as an everyday catcher. I'm not saying the Phillies need Russell Martin behind the plate, only that some kind of offense from the everyday catcher would be very significant. Assuming that Jenkins begins to perform, and when J-Roll and Howard get back to normalcy, the Feliz/Ruiz combination is going to be a major hole in the lineup on a regular basis. Worse yet, if Jenkins doesn't perform, it may be the second coming of Lieberthal (Past his prime), Bell, Pitcher. Except it will be worse because the bottom 4 in the lineup will be auto-outs, instead of 3.

[redbeard]

lincecum is afraid of the machine