I guess you've reached some sort of rarified air of blogdom when another blogger writes a post about a debate in the Comments of your blog that has absolutely nothing to do with anything you ever posted. Looks like El Lefty Malo has arbitrated the Pato/Shankbone bet, ruling that Brandon Crawford is indeed still the starting SS. For my own 2 cents, I've got to say that were well past the 40 game mark and Crawford is firmly entrenched as the starting SS.
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ReplyDeleteWow, Shankbone bitches and moans and cries and finally gets his way!! What is your address in LA Shank, I am going to find you 2 tickets as far away from each other as possible and for the worst possible matchup and then send them to you the day after the game! Just kidding, figure out a way to give me your address and I will send tickets.
ReplyDeletePato, you have been the one bitching and moaning. Shankbone likes to rattle people's chains but mostly likes to have good-hearted fun. You have needed to chill.
DeleteIn any case, as I noted in my detailing on another thread, there clearly was not any platooning happening, there was merely the pull-back so that he could work on things outside of game situations, and then a return to starting once they felt that he had put things together: http://whenthegiantscometotown.blogspot.com/2012/05/game-wrap-5232012-brewers-8-giants-5.html?showComment=1337960200841#c549223171331508273
I would note a follow-up note: while starting out hot at first, his batting line has been dropping lately, and with such a high strikeout rate, they might be pulling him out for some more between games coaching sooner than later, maybe when Pablo returns.
And I agree with DrB when he says that Crawford is firmly entrenched, they have noted that he's been handling his difficulties fine, not carrying it forward to his next AB or next defensive play, since late last season. It is that state of mind that allows a player to consistently perform at the talent level he had shown hints of previously. That allows him to add a lot of value via his fielding, while hopefully working to improve his offense.
And I think they are going to stick with him for at least a couple of years as a starter before looking for alternatives. We don't need him to be good, we don't even need him to be average, he just has to be better than replacement level, at least 1 WAR, for the Giants to stick with him long term, plus showing progress in development.
Let's not pile on Pato here. He's acknowledged that he lost the bet and even offered a send up of his own orneriness. I don't always agree with Pato, but I enjoy reading his takes and admire the unbridled passion. It's akin to Bryce Harper hitting himself in the face with his bat after striking out and going to the OF with blood streaming down his face. If nothing else, gotta admire the intensity.
DeleteActually, according to ELM, the bet was made on his website but then came to a boil over here.
ReplyDeleteHe also provided the original statement, which said nothing about platooning or anything, the conditions were very clear cut, whether Crawford was benched, and there were parameters given, where 1-2 games per week was not considered playing. Crawford was basically playing half time, getting into 3 games per week, on average, 5 of 11 games over a 12 day period.
This is over now. I guess I have to address this embarrassment. I'd rather not. I made a bet in good faith, addressed every heckle in accordance with that bet, and was polite at all turns. Pato did not fulfill all these aspects of the bet. Like Lefty said, it got weird. I have no desire to have confirmation your check writing skills are as bad as your reasoning, reading comprehension or manners. Please disregard the financial part of the bet. This "concession" is piss poor, but I would expect nothing less.
ReplyDeleteThis is why I never make bets.
DeleteSmart Man.
DeleteWow, if you can get this butt hurt over a blog on the internets I hate to see you after something actually meaningful in your life goes wrong! Thin skin is not a virtue Shankapotamus. Go get yourself a box of tissues and a half gallon of Ice Cream and drown your sorrows over a romantic comedy while you cry yourself to sleep. I have seen people lose loved ones and not carry on this long! If not accepting the tix is your way of dealing with things then I wont argue with it but for the record, I am owning up to losing the bet so WTF else do you want buddy?
ReplyDeleteHey, hey kids! That's enough! Time to move on!
ReplyDeleteAgree, sorry for the immaturity.
ReplyDelete