The San Francisco Giants started the season on the road in Cincinnati and Bob Melvin was, quite frankly, brilliant,
in achieving a win that was certainly unexpected to the national media, who were behind Tito, Cincy and the baseball of the old days.
Melvin’s use of the Mound Visit in the 4th was a moment of real reflection for Giants fans, who remember Boch leaving Bumgarner in for eight innings in April. (Skip was a player’s coach).
Melvin’s of the culture I’m of. He sent J.P. Martinez, the pitching coach, out for a discussion in the fourth, on Opening Day on the road, to a guy who has led the league in innings pitched two years in a row.
Gabe Kapler was a JOKE.
Instantly, Bob sending Martinez out to settle Logan down was effective: Webb threw the inning-ending double-play ball on the next pitch. We have a man in charge who knows the game.
In fact, it was the Elly de la Cruz at-bat the previous inning that shook Webb. Elly fought off so many REALLY GOOD pitches before slap-sliding that inside-out double. Webby wasn’t right after that. I could see it.
and that’s the point … I COULD SEE IT. and so Bo-Mel was ON THAT SHIT.
But okay. Welcome to Giants baseball corner. Here’s what you don’t understand about Bob Melvin:
Bob Melvin, Bud Black and Bruce Bochy have floated around as managers of NL West teams for a decade and a half. We all know them out here.
Before Boch became a HoF manager he went through ridiculous years – including getting SWEPT in the world series. (which is why 2012 is my favorite championship … balance).
Melvin was forced to have a $50 million payroll in Oakland for years and managed to make “Moneyball,” stretch.
Then he was asked to help a BLOATED crazy payroll in San Diego for a guy who died –
(if you follow this blog you know about me meeting Peter Seidler and my coverage of that scene. They are screwed – Probate Court will be tantamount to what Divorce Court was for the Bums).
Bob Melvin is a guy who, by virtue of having managed in the AL for years, KNOWS how to use the DH, and has had a decade and a half of experience of only the extremes of payroll.
The Giants dropping to 15th in payroll with Bob Melvin in charge was, for me, fully justified by today’s win,
but he also KNOWS the National League West better than anyone other than Black and Boch.
BoMel is the most ideal person to helm this squad, and he proved it on opening day. that’s my take.
Tonight it was all on the line. On the road in Cincinnati. It’s a game you are supposed to lose.
The Reds invited everybody to the packed house to see the home opener because you are SUPPOSED TO WIN THAT ONE.
To play spoiler you have to be better … at certain elements of the game. You have to have an adeptness.
Multiple moves on opening day should be understood as Bob Melvin doing things NO AI (artificial intelligence) can.
Yaz had a stolen base. The DH was put in prime position to do damage.
DH Wilmer Flores, back from injury and, as per BoMel weeks ago, whose hips are feeling no pain on follow-through, DELIVERED.
He is an in-game manager.
Bob Melvin has that.
Game One was a managerial victory.
I got lots more to say but I want to post.
Giants Baseball Corner 