99 problems (and counting)
Nationals 4, Giants 3
The only person I’ve seen more than my wife in the last three days is Keaton Winn.
He joined us for my dad’s first game at Wrigley, spoiling the festivities with one out to go. He redeemed himself Sunday to force extra innings. And then Monday night, watching through the hazy eyes of someone who awoke well before sunrise, I could hardly believe I was seeing him again.
This visit was by far the worst, mostly because of where the focus should be in this space.
Logan Webb’s return to form. Bryce Eldridge’s continued ascendance. Jung Hoo Lee batting .508 over his 16-game hitting streak.
Instead we’re left to lament a Giants bullpen that isn’t good enough and was never going to be good enough. Statistically, the team’s ERA in the ninth is 5.51. Anecdotally, it’s 55.10.
Of the seven pitchers who have finished more than three games for the Giants, two are on the IL, two are in Triple A, and one was released. That leaves you with JT Brubaker and Caleb Killian.
Keaton Winn is a fine pitcher. He is not the problem. The problem is waking up in June with the same one you had in February.
Up next: It’ll be Adrian Houser (2-5, 5.49 ERA) against Andrew Alvarez (1-0 3.54 ERA) in Game 2 of the series, first pitch at 6:40 pm.
Connor - I said at the beginning of the year. I don’t expect a “winning” team. I just want them to be exciting. Exude some enthusiasm. Make watching the Giants fun. Honestly, where we are today - 13 games under.500 - was not expected, but it makes watching a loss like yesterday bearable. I absolutely cherished seeing Mr. Eldridge light up (!) with his RBI double yesterday. I’m overwhelmed with JHL - he’s found something in the past month that should be recognized beyond Giants fans! Hearing the entire crowd chanting his name yesterday was phenomenal. And then, seeing Jonah Cox laying down a perfect bunt - I actually feel good about the Giants. Without any real speed, they’ve made it exciting in some other ways. I think our future is bright. Our problem is the large contracts that we’re saddled with for players that are not winners. Sorry, that’s how I see it. Chapman is hitting some again. Devers is, to me, a full fledged disappointment, if not utter failure. Adames- love the guy, love his attitude and enthusiasm, but I sometimes think it gets in the way of his focus, concentration; hence, performance. So, it may be a lengthy slog to get to a fully functioning consistent winning team, but if it remains watchable, I’m all in for the wait! Really enjoy your podcasts btw. 😊
Your lede is perfect. Nationals won first game this season after trailing for 8 innings. Nothing like it
National Parks Postcards updates are also highly welcome 🌳