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[CNOTES]

Denkinger's miss revisited with WS in KC

October 19, 2014


KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Of course Don Denkinger plans to watch the World Series. He always does. He'll tune in to root for the umpires, check out familiar faces on the Giants and Royals, and see how Kansas City is looking these days.

Chances are he'll see himself, too.

''Nobody wants to have the call that I did in the World Series,'' Denkinger told The Associated Press this weekend from his winter home in Arizona. ''But I did. And now it's part of history.''

All these years later, Denkinger's miss at first base remains the signature moment from the last time the Series was in town, back in 1985. Not Bret Saberhagen throwing a clinching shutout or George Brett getting a bunch of hits.

Nope, Denkinger's call stands from Game 6 - and sticks with the umpire who was a part of several memorable moments during a distinguished 30-year career.

''I'm not tired of talking about it. I mean, it happened,'' he said. ''I just know that if the same thing happened now, they'd get it right on replay and it'd be over with.''

San Francisco and Kansas City open on Tuesday night, and it's a good guess a replay or two of his mistake will be shown sometime during the telecasts.

Denkinger didn't have the cushion of an instant-replay review on that October night when the St. Louis Cardinals took a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning at Royals Stadium, just three outs away from the championship.

Pinch-hitter Jorge Orta led off with a slow bouncer to the right side. First baseman Jack Clark ranged wide to field the ball, and flipped a high throw to reliever Todd Worrell covering the bag.

Orta was still in the air on his final stride when the ball beat him by a half-step. Denkinger recounted he was standing too close to the play - by the time he saw Worrell catch the ball and looked down, Orta's foot was on the base. Denkinger ruled him safe.

''I wish I would've gotten it right,'' he said. ''But I didn't.''

The rest, as Denkinger said, is part of baseball lore.

The Cardinals argued to no avail, then made a couple of misplays that led to Kansas City scoring twice to win.

Denkinger was the plate umpire for Game 7 and the Royals romped 11-0, with pitcher Joaquin Andujar and manager Whitey Herzog getting ejected while fuming over the previous day's events.

Denkinger received threatening notes in the offseason, and the FBI investigated. The next spring, he was back to umpiring and, to this day, is reminded of what went wrong.

''I'm guessing that if it had been Cardinals-Royals this year, I'd be getting a lot of calls,'' he said.

In all, he worked the World Series four times. He was the plate umpire for the famed Game 7 duel in 1991 when Jack Morris pitched all 10 innings to lead Minnesota over Atlanta 1-0. Denkinger also had the plate for the Bucky Dent home run playoff game in 1978 between the Yankees and Red Sox.

Denkinger retired after 1998, and now splits the year between his native Iowa and Arizona. He's been married more than 50 years, and was in the hospital this week with wife Gayle when she needed a stent.

In recent seasons, Denkinger had spoken out that replay technology would benefit Major League Baseball.

Along with getting more calls right, replay has helped umpires avoid the stigma of being ''Denkingered,'' as some of them have said. Meaning nowadays, a wrong call gets corrected by an umpire in the replay booth, and the games go on without attaching an umpire's name to the miss.

''I think replay has worked great,'' he said. ''I could've used it back then.''

 

[CNOTES]

KC dependent on 3-headed bullpen

October 19, 2014


KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Buck Showalter knew he was in trouble when the seventh inning rolled around and his Orioles were trailing the Kansas City Royals in Game 4 of the AL Championship Series.

Three innings later, Baltimore's season was over.

In each game of the series, the three-headed monster of Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and All-Star closer Greg Holland had slammed the door on the Orioles. They did it again in the clincher, a 2-1 victory that propelled Kansas City into the World Series after a 29-year absence.

Game 1 is Tuesday night against the San Francisco Giants.

''That's one of the biggest reasons they're playing here,'' Showalter said of the ''Big Three.''

The Royals had one of the stingiest bullpens in baseball this season, but the back end was especially dominant. Herrera, who usually handles the seventh inning, had a 1.41 ERA in 70 games. Davis, the eighth-inning guy, had a 1.00 ERA in 71 appearances. And Holland had a 1.44 ERA while saving 46 games, one shy of his franchise record set just last season.

They were at their best in sending the Royals to the World Series, too.

Herrera pitched 5 2-3 scoreless innings against Baltimore, allowing just two hits. Davis went five scoreless innings, also giving up two hits. Holland was the only one to give up a run, but he still managed to save all four games, joining Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley as the only pitchers to accomplish the feat since the ALCS went to a best-of-seven format.

''At the end of the game,'' Royals starter Jason Vargas said, ''we like our chances.''

All three relievers have four-seam fastballs that approach 100 mph, and all three have a devastating secondary pitch. Herrera has a lightning-quick two-seamer, Davis's new cutter has been dynamic, and the vicious slider that Holland can unleash leaves hitters waving at air.

But that's where the similarities end. The three of them took very different paths to reach this point, key cogs in a perfectly tuned strikeout machine.

Herrera exploded onto the scene two years ago, a fireballer who never seemed to quite know where his fire balls were headed. What little command he had finally failed him last season, and he was banished to the minor leagues, where he was able to rein everything in.

Since returning to the Royals, the 24-year-old right-hander from the Dominican Republic has been solid. At one point this season, he had a streak of 30 consecutive scoreless appearances.

''He's meant so much to this team over the last few years,'' Holland said. ''He's tough.''

Just about as tough is Davis, who at one point was considered an after-thought in the trade that brought staff ace James Shields over from Tampa Bay in December 2012.

The Royals tried to use him as a starter, but for some reason he couldn't get on track. So almost out of desperation, they sent him back to the bullpen, where he'd had success in Tampa Bay. Everything suddenly clicked. By the time the Royals were climbing into contention last season, Davis had become a lock-down eighth-inning reliever.

His electric stuff had the Royals thinking about starting him again. But a season-ending injury to Luke Hochevar in spring training scuttled that plan, and Davis was turned loose in the bullpen. He began mowing down hitters at a record-setting rate.

Davis didn't allow a run from April 23-June 25, a streak of 20 appearances and 22 1-3 innings. It took 43 appearances, 45 1-3 innings and 179 batters before he allowed an extra-base hit. When Holland sustained a minor injury late in the season, Davis closed out three games.

''He's a guy that just comes in and goes right after you with his stuff,'' Royals manager Ned Yost said. ''He's a guy that's a tremendous competitor.''

In that respect, he's a bit like Holland, who has come out of nowhere to become one of the game's top closers. He was drafted by the Royals in the 10th round out of Western Carolina, and was in the big leagues three years later. But after scuffling during that first-call up, Holland proved he belonged in his first full season, eventually taking over the ninth inning.

He never gave it up, compiling a 1.86 ERA in 246 games over the last four seasons.

No wonder Showalter and every other opposing manager have learned the best chance of beating the Royals is to beat their starters. If they have the lead by the seventh inning, the chances of mounting a comeback against their ''Big Three'' aren't very good.

''Just get us through six in the ballgame and we can turn it over to the bullpen guys,'' Yost said. ''We've got a lot of confidence in everybody we've got down there. Our offense has a lot of confidence in everybody we've got down there, too, because they know, hey, look, let's keep it close, let's get it to the bullpen, and if we can take a lead and get it to the bullpen, odds are we're going to be celebrating a victory at the end of the day.''

 

[CNOTES]

Lincecum waits his turn, still yet to pitch

October 19, 2014


SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Tim Lincecum walked silently through the bustling clubhouse before Saturday's workout and stuck his left arm straight out as he passed Jean Machi's locker, offering a friendly fist bump to the reliever.

No words necessary.

Lincecum, so far an unused reliever this postseason, is doing everything he can to stay involved in the San Francisco Giants' latest World Series run after he was such an important part of the previous two.

Ask anybody, and it's a little bit freaky not seeing The Freak on that familiar October stage. A two-time NL Cy Young Award winner relegated to the back of the bullpen.

Lincecum hasn't pitched since Sept. 28, though he has thrown warmup tosses and kept his routine to ensure he's ready for his next chance - and manager Bruce Bochy hinted he very much expects to use the right-hander against the Royals.

''I'm just trying to keep that flow in my emotional state, as well,'' Lincecum said. ''Just kind of stay positive and just take every day for what it is. Every day in the playoffs is pretty special.''

Even if he's left watching and waiting for his turn.

Lincecum pitched the 2010 Game 5 World Series clincher at Texas. In 2012, he moved to the bullpen for the playoffs and emerged as a reliable reliever when San Francisco won another title.

After landing a new $35 million, two-year deal last October, Lincecum tossed his second no-hitter in less than a year June 25 against San Diego. He went 12-9 with a 4.74 ERA in 26 starts, ending a run of three straight years with a losing record.

His teammates understand this can't be easy for the guy once nicknamed ''Franchise.''

''I do everything I can do to encourage him on a daily basis because at some point in time (his) number could be called and it's going to be in a big spot. It's the World Series now,'' said Jake Peavy, the Game 2 World Series starter. ''We believe in Timmy Lincecum. He's done amazing things, he's as big-time as anybody and has had tremendous playoff starts as a starter, tremendous playoff experience out of the bullpen.''

The Giants' 10th overall draft pick in 2006 and was in the big leagues by the following May, Lincecum lost his rotation spot in late August and was replaced by Yusmeiro Petit. Lincecum won his last two outings pitching out of the bullpen, including his 100th career victory Sept. 25 against the Padres.

Even Bochy considers Lincecum, knowing how much he wants to contribute - and how much Bochy wants him to get that opportunity, when the moment is right.

In the NL Division Series and NLCS, Lincecum was the only player on the 25-man roster not used.

''He's just an unbelievable teammate, he's so selfless that it inspires each and every one of us,'' right fielder Hunter Pence said. ''He's also a big-game pitcher. He has that flair for the spectacular. You've seen it with two no-hitters where he lifts us up through some of our tough times and you've seen it in the postseason. ''

Lincecum didn't even enter the 18-inning Game 2 division series win at Washington. Bochy said he would have used him but plans changed once the Giants took the lead.

''Timmy's done a lot for us, I'll start with that,'' Bochy said. ''When you get in the postseason, there is probably going to be a guy, maybe two who doesn't get a lot of work, but that doesn't mean he might not play a key role. ... I think about Timmy, trust me, the fact he hasn't been in there because I haven't forgotten what he's done or what he could do for us. So far it's worked out well. But still, I'd like to get him to be part of it.''

Lincecum is still among the fan favorites, and that was evident when a long line of people waiting to see him weaved around a corner and down the hallway for FanFest at AT&T Park last Feb. 1.

When the 2013 season ended, Linecum wasn't sure he would even be back in orange and black. Instead of testing free agency, he stuck with the only team he has known and the comfort of remaining in a place he belongs and knows so well.

''I feel great,'' Lincecum said. ''It's just about staying that way. ... I don't think there's any way to kind of lose it at this time of the year. Everybody's kind of, whatever's left in the tank you're going to pour it on that field whenever you get a chance. I just try to be myself, keep a light mood. Along with that grind, we celebrate our small accomplishments.''

 

[CNOTES]

World Series Cheat Sheet

October 18, 2014

Game 1: San Francisco at Kansas City, Tuesday October 21

Game 2: San Francisco at Kansas City, Wednesday October 22

Game 3: Kansas City at San Francisco, Friday October 24

Game 4: Kansas City at San Francisco, Saturday October 25

*Game 5: Kansas City at San Francisco, Sunday October 26

*Game 6: San Francisco at Kansas City, Tuesday October 28

*Game 7: San Francisco at Kansas City, Wednesday October 29

*- If necessary --- All games televised on FOX

Overall records:

San Francisco: 96-76 overall, 49-37 home, 47-39 away

Kansas City: 97-73 overall, 46-39 home, 51-34 away

Playoff records:

San Francisco: 8-2 overall, 4-1 home, 4-1 away

Kansas City: 8-0 overall, 4-0 home, 4-0 away

How they got here:
The Giants continued their streak of advancing to the World Series in even years in this decade. San Francisco hoisted the World Series trophy in 2010 and 2012, losing just once in those two series against Texas and Detroit, respectively. Madison Bumgarner tossed a gem in the Wild Card victory at Pittsburgh, 8-0 to advance to the NLDS against Washington.

After stealing a pair of one-run wins in Washington, the Giants finished off Nationals in four games of the NLDS, as all four contests finished ‘under’ the total. In fact, San Francisco scored just nine runs in the entire series, but Bruce Bochy’s team extended its playoff winning streak to 10 before losing in Game 3 to Washington.

The Giants eliminated the Cardinals in the NLCS for the second time in three seasons, but San Francisco didn’t need to overcome a 3-1 deficit like it did in 2012. Bumgarner blanked the Cardinals as a road underdog in Game 1 at St. Louis, but the Redbirds used a walk-off homer in Game 2 to even the series at 1-1 heading back to San Francisco.

Back at AT&T Park, the Giants took all three home games from the Cardinals, including a dramatic three-run walk-off homer from Travis Ishikawa in Game 5 to stun St. Louis, 6-3. San Francisco owns an incredible 15-2 record in its past 17 playoff games, while winning 10 of its previous 13 postseason games on the highway.

The Royals were six outs away from elimination in the Wild Card game against the Athletics, as Kansas City trailed, 7-3. The rally began in the eighth inning with three runs, then the Royals tied things up in the ninth inning with a sacrifice fly. After several failed attempts to bring in the winning run from third base in extra innings, the Royals scored two runs in the 12th inning to stun the A’s, 9-8 and move to the ALDS.

The task wasn’t easy against the Angels, who owned the best record in baseball. However, Kansas City used the momentum from the Wild Card win to knock off Los Angeles twice on the road in extra innings as heavy underdogs. The Royals returned home and finished off the Angels in a three-game sweep, to improve to 10-2 since beating the Tigers in late September.

Detroit won the AL Central but was quickly knocked out by Baltimore in the ALDS, as the Royals had no fear against the AL East champions. Kansas City swept Baltimore in the ALCS, capped off by a pair of 2-1 victories at Kauffman Stadium to win the franchise’s first pennant since 1985. The Royals set a Major League Baseball record by winning their eighth straight game to begin the postseason.

Previous matchup:
The Royals swept the Giants in a three-game set at Kauffman Stadium in August, as no one would have ever expected these teams to meet in the Fall Classic. In the series opener, the Royals jumped on Bumgarner for two early runs before the Giants would even things up at 2-2. Kansas City plated two runs in the sixth inning to hold off San Francisco, 4-2 as -110 home favorites.

James Shields shut out the Giants in Game 2 by a 5-0 count, tossing a complete-game four-hitter. Tim Hudson allowed six hits and three earned runs for the Giants, as the Royals broke the game open with four runs in the seventh inning to cash as -145 home favorites.

Kansas City brought out the brooms in the series finale, 7-4, as the Royals jumped out to a 7-1 lead before the Giants plated three runs in the seventh inning. The Royals took home the money as -155 favorites thanks to 6.2 solid innings from southpaw Danny Duffy. Kansas City’s offense was lifted by Salvador Perez and Alex Gordon, who each drove in a pair of runs, as the Royals chased Tim Lincecum in the fourth inning with six runs on seven hits.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB
Dunkel

San Francisco at Kansas City
The Royals host Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday night and come into the contest with a 5-0 record in the last 5 games versus the Giants at home. Kansas City is the pick (-105) according to Dunkel, which has the Royals favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-105). Here are all of today's MLB picks.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21

Game 901-902: San Francisco at Kansas City (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Bumgarner) 12.289; Kansas City (Shields) 13.872
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-115); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-105); Under




MLB
Long Sheet

Tuesday, October 21

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAN FRANCISCO (96 - 76) at KANSAS CITY (97 - 73) - 8:05 PM
MADISON BUMGARNER (L) vs. JAMES SHIELDS (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

MADISON BUMGARNER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
BUMGARNER is 0-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.38 and a WHIP of 0.875.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
SHIELDS is 1-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.556.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




MLB

Tuesday, October 21

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8:07 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. KANSAS CITY
San Francisco is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
San Francisco is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Kansas City
Kansas City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games at home


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




MLB

Tuesday, October 21


Hudson: "I've been waiting for this for 16 years"

Tim Hudson is 39-years old, he is the active leader in wins (214) and he has never made it past the Division series until now.

"That's why I came to San Francisco, just for this moment," Hudson said during the Party that was the Giants locker room Thursday. "I've been waiting for this for 16 years."

Hudson has a 3.29 ERA during this postseason and San Fran has won both games he started.


Report: World Series to feature new umpires

The World Series umpire crew is going to feature four first time officials to the Fall Classic. Hunter Wendelstedt, Eric Cooper, Jim Reynolds and Jerry Meals will all call their first World Series according to ESPN.

Here is the list of all the reported crew members and their season numbers:

(Crew Chief) Jeff Kellogg: Home Team Record 13-15, Over/Under 13-15, Strike % 64.29
Ted Barrett: HT 17-15, O/U 13-16, K% - 63.38
Jeff Nelson: HT 19-13, O/U 11-19, K% 63.68
Hunter Wendelstedt: HT 16-14, O/U 11-15, K% 64.39
Eric Cooper: HT 15-16, O/U 14-14, K% 64.40
Jim Reynolds: HT 14-15, O/U 9-20, K% 64.35
Jerry Meals: HT 15-15, O/U 20-9, K% 63.97

Overall: HT 109-102, O/U 91-107, K% 64.02


Giants dominating World Series in recent years

The San Francisco Giants booked their third trip to the World Series in five seasons on a walk-off home run. Now that they've gotten to the Fall Classic, the Giants can look at their recent dominance for reassurance.

In San Fran's last two trips to the World Series ('10, '12) they have gone 8-1. Over those two series' the Giants have a run differential of +27 while averaging nearly six runs per game.

 

[CNOTES]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

10/16/14 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail

10/15/14 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2000 Detail

10/14/14 0-*4-*0 0.00% -*2135 Detail

10/12/14 0-*2-*0 0.00%-*1050 Detail

10/11/14 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*70 Detail

10/10/14 1-*1-*0 50.00% -*150 Detail

10/07/14 2-*2-*0 50.00% +*240 Detail

10/06/14 3-*1-*0 75.00% +*1080 Detail

10/05/14 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2290 Detail

10/04/14 1-*1-*0 50.00% +310 Detail

10/03/14 6-*2-*0 75.00% +*2395 Detail

10/02/14 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*450 Detail

10/01/14 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail

09/30/14 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail

Totals 31-*17-*0 64.58 % 7460


Rated Plays Only Record:


6 - 2 ........ + 4.25.......*****

12 - 9...........+ 12.32 ......Double Play

8 - 5 ..........+ 7.09.....Triple Play

5 - 2 .......... + 11.52 .......Grand Slam

 

[indiana]

C/note.............nicely done............continued success............indy

 

[CNOTES]

Thanks Indy......looking for more the same in this series.............

 

[CNOTES]

SF radio stations ban hit song 'Royals'

October 20, 2014


SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The popular song ''Royals'' by New Zealand artist Lorde is getting caught up in the fervor over the upcoming World Series between the San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals.

Two San Francisco radio stations say they won't play the song during the duration of the World Series. A Kansas City, Missouri, station responded with plans to play the Grammy-winning track every hour from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, the first day of the series.

''A few angry San Franciscans who don't have a song called `Giants' won't rain on our parade,'' Tony Lorino, program director of KZPT in Kansas City, said in a statement on the station's website.

San Francisco stations KFOG and KOIT announced the bans last week as the Giants clinched the pennant and headed to the series. KOIT program director Brian Figula said in a statement that listeners called for the ban. KOIT is a sister station of KZPT in Kansas City.

Jim Richards, KFOG's program director, said the station didn't want to play a song that repeatedly says ''Royals'' while rooting for the hometown team.

''We're all about the Giants here,'' he said, adding that the ban was completely tongue-in-cheek.

Lorde has told VH1 that a photo of Kansas City Royals Hall of Famer George Brett signing autographs helped inspire her song when she saw the word ''Royals'' on his uniform.

 

[CNOTES]

Yearwood, Santana to perform at WS

October 20, 2014


NEW YORK (AP) - Trisha Yearwood and Carlos Santana are among the musicians set to perform the national anthem during the World Series.

Major League Baseball says Yearwood will sing ''The Star-Spangled Banner'' before Game 1 on Tuesday when the San Francisco Giants play the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

Santana will perform an instrumental rendition of the national anthem with his son before Game 4 on Saturday at the AT&T Park in San Francisco.

Country quartet Little Big Town will sing before Game 2 on Wednesday. Former ''American Idol'' winner Phillip Phillips will sing before Game 3 on Friday.

The games will air on Fox at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

 

[CNOTES]

Giants rely on core of 4 relievers

October 20, 2014


SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The San Francisco Giants have their own version of the Core Four that has fueled their recent October dominance.

While players with catchy nicknames like the Panda, the Freak and MadBum, and shiny trophies like former NL Rookie of the Year and MVP Buster Posey get most of the accolades, a quartet of relievers has played almost as big a role in putting the Giants in position to win a third World Series title in five years.

Santiago Casilla, Jeremy Affeldt, Javier Lopez and Sergio Romo are among the seven players who have played in all three postseason runs for San Francisco since 2010, providing stability to a role that can be so hard for some teams to fill come October.

''One thing that we have that's kind of nice is we have that continuity,'' Lopez said. ''We've been around each other for, this is now our fifth year together for most of us especially in that back end of the pen. That part's kind of nice. We know what we can do, and we complement each other.''

With a win in the World Series starting Tuesday night in Kansas City, the Giants will join the New York Yankees teams led by Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams and Jorge Posada as the only teams in the past 40 years to win it all at least three times in five seasons.

Like those great Yankees teams that won four titles from 1996-2000, the Giants have relied on stellar relief pitching.

''It's nice to have these four guys with their experience and calmness they bring to the bullpen,'' Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.

Lopez has had a steady role as a left-handed specialist whose submarine delivery is lethal against lefties, and Affeldt is another tough lefty who can pitch longer because he is almost as effective against right-handed hitters.

Casilla and Romo have had their roles change over the years as the Giants are looking to win their third title with a third closer.

Brian Wilson handled the job in 2010 with Romo and Casilla serving as setup men. That changed in 2012 when Casilla stepped into the closer role after Wilson got hurt early in the season.

Casilla didn't last in the role as Romo proved more effective and ended up closing out the World Series by striking out Miguel Cabrera.

Casilla and Romo flopped roles again this year after Romo blew three saves in June.

''We had a lot of success when he was the closer here, and it's not easy sometimes,'' Bochy said. ''But he never said anything, never complained. For a manager, you appreciate that. He wanted to do everything he could to help the team. That's the only way this works.''

The four have combined for a 6-1 record with eight saves and a 1.31 ERA over 87 postseason appearances since 2010. Affeldt has gone 18 straight appearances without a run, Casilla 17 and Lopez 15.

With 68 2-3 innings, they have accounted for nearly one-fifth of San Francisco's postseason innings since 2010, and more than the more heralded starters.

''Every time I've been in the playoffs, it seems like bullpens are used to their maximum,'' Affeldt said. ''`Guys have come in in different situations and thrown strikes and come in for guys when maybe we have to come in mid-inning, guys on base, stuff like that. We've done a pretty good job.''

The four have gotten help this postseason from journeyman Yusmeiro Petit, whose nine shutout innings of two-hit relief were big reasons for San Francisco's wins in Game 2 of the division series against Washington and Game 4 of the NLCS against St. Louis.

Petit has been let go four times in his career, including briefly last season by the Giants, making him a perfect fit in a bullpen of mostly castoffs.

Of the seven relievers who have pitched this postseason, only Affeldt hasn't been released, waived or designated for assignment in his career. Casilla was signed to a minor league deal before the 2010 season after being let go by Oakland. Lopez was designated for assignment four times in his career before being acquired in a deadline deal with Pittsburgh in 2010.

Romo is a former 28th round pick who was designated for assignment by San Francisco in 2008 before earning a regular role in the majors.

Now they are all proven major leaguers and postseason stars that the Giants would never think of letting go.

''They thrive on being out there in a tight game, in a late situation,'' Bochy said. ''They certainly help me make my decisions a lot easier.''

 

[CNOTES]

Rest or rust? Royals, Giants set for WS

October 20, 2014


KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Buster Posey and the San Francisco Giants zipped through the playoffs, Lorenzo Cain and the Kansas City Royals zoomed along.

And then, they all got some time off. Almost an eternity, by October standards.

When the World Series begins Tuesday night at Kauffman Stadium, both teams will deal with a familiar issue this deep in the postseason: Does an extended layoff translate into rest or rust?

The Royals went 8-0 in the playoffs, giving them five off days before James Shields starts in Game 1. The Giants went 8-2 and had four days to relax before Madison Bumgarner pitches the opener.

The clubs held workouts, studied video and checked out scouting reports. But as several teams that stumbled in the World Series after long breaks discovered, nothing can duplicate playing a real game.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Giants (87-74) at Royals (89-72)
Game: 1
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: October 21, 2014 8:07 PM EDT


KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Alex Gordon took a big rip at a batting-practice fastball, fouled it off badly into the cage, and ducked when the carom nearly hit him in the head.

Gordon let out a huge laugh, and so did a bunch of his Kansas City Royals teammates watching Monday's workout.

'I can't believe that just happened, dude,' pitcher James Shields razzed.

It'll be more frustrating than funny if those are the same awkward swings the Royals and San Francisco Giants take once the World Series begins.

Going into Game 1 on Tuesday night at Kauffman Stadium, both teams will deal with a familiar issue this deep in the postseason: Does an extended layoff translate into rest or rust?

Buster Posey and the Giants zipped through the playoffs, and now will try for their third title in five years. Lorenzo Cain and the Royals zoomed along, reaching the Series for the first time since 1985.

And then, they all got some time off. Almost an eternity, by October standards.

The Royals went 8-0 in the AL playoffs, giving them five idle days before Shields starts the opener. San Francisco went 8-2 on the NL side and had four days to relax before Madison Bumgarner pitches.

'It's definitely different because we have played so many games over the last 7 1/2, eight months. But you just understand it's one of those things,' Posey said.

As recent history has shown, hitters can be very vulnerable when they get out of rhythm.

'It affects a bit with your timing, especially when trying to adjust to pitchers,' Kansas City second baseman Omar Infante said. 'It's hard to recover that groove you have.'

The slightly favored Giants and Royals held practices, studied video and checked out scouting reports. But as several teams that stumbled in the World Series after long breaks discovered, nothing can duplicate playing a real game.

Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera and Detroit got nearly a week off in 2012, then the Tigers hit a combined .159 and totaled six runs in getting swept by the Giants.

Troy Tulowitzki and the Colorado Rockies rushed into the 2007 World Series, waited a week and got outscored 29-10 in Boston's sweep.

A year earlier, Magglio Ordonez and the Tigers looked so powerful in the playoffs, but fell apart a week later and hit only .199 in a five-game loss to St. Louis.

Infante played on both of those Detroit teams that got wiped out. He actually excelled in 2012, hitting .333.

'It's a short series, you need some luck. We lost four in a row and they were coming from playing seven. In this series, I think both teams are even,' he said.

Royals reserve Raul Ibanez, who's enjoyed postseason success in the past, said 'determination and will' carry players in the fall. Yet the timing and confidence that lifts them for so long can be lost in a hurry.

All of a sudden, a ball that might've been a solid double becomes a soft fly. A line drive up the middle turns into a foul ball straight back. A big hit winds up a great catch.

Just like that, a magical touch is missing, and can't be recaptured until it's too late.

Royals catcher Salvador Perez hooted at himself after a popup and an easy grounder in BP on Monday, and changed bats for his next round. He homered on his final swing.

'When you've been playing for seven or eight months, it's nice to have an off day every now and then. But when you do have those workout days where you just go in and hit BP and take grounders and stuff, you try to keep it as much like game day as possible,' Giants first baseman Brandon Belt said.

Royals designated hitter Billy Butler said he didn't see the five-day break being a detriment.

'Hey, they've had four days off. That's the way you look at it. They played one day later than we have - they've had a layoff, too,' he said.

'I don't know if it'll play any factor. It definitely won't be the reason if we go out there and don't win tomorrow,' Butler said.

Shields and Bumgarner seemed unconcerned.

This will be Shields' first start since Oct. 10 in the AL Championship Series opener against Baltimore.

'I think this late in the year almost too much throwing is too much,' he said. 'So I've just kind of rested my body up for tomorrow.'

Bumgarner has already thrown 249 innings this year, including four postseason outings. He was the NLCS MVP, and started last Thursday when the Giants closed out St. Louis.

'Honestly, I feel the best I've felt all year for the last probably two months,' the lefty said.



----------------------------------------------

MLB HEAD TO HEAD


Aug 10, 2014 Score ATS Results
SFO 4 Over: 11
KAN « 7 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps


Aug 9, 2014 Score ATS Results
SFO 0 Under: 5
KAN « 5 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps


Aug 8, 2014 Score ATS Results
SFO 2 Under: 6
KAN « 4 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps


Mar 23, 2014 Score ATS Results
KAN 9 Over: 22
SFO « 13 Cover: +100
Tools: Recaps


Mar 7, 2014 Score ATS Results
SFO « 5 Cover: +110
KAN 0 Over: 5
Tools: Recaps

 

[CNOTES]

Tuesday, October 21

Game Score Status Pick Amount

San Francisco - 8:00 PM ET San Francisco +101 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Kansas City - Over 6.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY

 

[CNOTES]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

10/16/14 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detai

10/15/14 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2000 Detail

10/14/14 0-*4-*0 0.00% -*2135 Detail

10/12/14 0-*2-*0 0.00%-*1050 Detail

10/11/14 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*70 Detail

10/10/14 1-*1-*0 50.00% -*150 Detail

10/07/14 2-*2-*0 50.00% +*240 Detail

10/06/14 3-*1-*0 75.00% +*1080 Detail

10/05/14 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2290 Detail

10/04/14 1-*1-*0 50.00% +310 Detail

10/03/14 6-*2-*0 75.00% +*2395 Detail

10/02/14 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*450 Detail

10/01/14 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail

09/30/14 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail

Totals 31-*17-*0 64.58 % 7460


Rated Plays Only Record:


6 - 2 ........ + 4.25.......*****

12 - 9...........+ 12.32 ......Double Play

8 - 5 ..........+ 7.09.....Triple Play

5 - 2 .......... + 11.52 .......Grand Slam

 

[CNOTES]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

10/21/14 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1005 Detai

10/16/14 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detai

10/15/14 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2000 Detail

10/14/14 0-*4-*0 0.00% -*2135 Detail

10/12/14 0-*2-*0 0.00%-*1050 Detail

10/11/14 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*70 Detail

10/10/14 1-*1-*0 50.00% -*150 Detail

10/07/14 2-*2-*0 50.00% +*240 Detail

10/06/14 3-*1-*0 75.00% +*1080 Detail

10/05/14 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2290 Detail

10/04/14 1-*1-*0 50.00% +310 Detail

10/03/14 6-*2-*0 75.00% +*2395 Detail

10/02/14 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*450 Detail

10/01/14 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail

09/30/14 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail


Totals 33-*17-*0 66.00 % 8460


Rated Plays Only Record:


6 - 2 ........ + 4.25..........*****

12 - 9...........+ 12.32 ......Double Play

10 - 5 ..........+ 13.12.......Triple Play

5 - 2 .......... + 11.52 ......Grand Slam

 

[CNOTES]

Ventura, Peavy will meet in WS Game 2

October 21, 2014


KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - The starting pitchers for Game 2 of the World Series are a study in contrasts.

The Royals will send out rookie Yordano Ventura, the hard-throwing right-hander from the Dominican Republic who grew up idolizing Pedro Martinez and now talks to him just about every day. San Francisco will counter with veteran Jake Peavy, the hired gun from Mobile, Alabama, who helped Boston win the World Series last year.

''A lot of energy, I think, on both sides,'' said Peavy, pointing out perhaps the one thing they have in common. ''We'll have our work cut out for us, for sure.''

Ventura burst onto the scene last year with his 100 mph fastball, aggressive attitude and cool confidence. He's only 23, but already has earned rave reviews from the likes of Cleveland manager Terry Francona, Yankees skipper Joe Girardi and everybody on his own team.

''Yordano came in obviously last year guns a-blazing,'' said the Royals' Jeremy Guthrie, who will start Game 3 on Friday night in San Francisco. ''His talent was evident from the very first start.''

Ventura's electric arm is a big reason why Royals manager Ned Yost brought him in as a reliever in the wild-card win over Oakland. Yet the starter, perhaps too amped up, promptly gave up a three-run homer to Brandon Moss and another hit to Josh Reddick before he was yanked.

The Royals rallied to win in 12 innings, though, and Ventura fared far better when he started in the AL Division Series against the Angels, allowing one run over seven innings.

Ventura got a no decision in his ALCS start against Baltimore, a game the Royals also won.

''For me, another thing I focus on is to live day by day,'' Ventura said with Guthrie serving as his translator. ''Really, what happened in Oakland, I had moved past that.''

Meanwhile, Peavy will be trying to move on from a rather pedestrian start in the NLCS. After pitching two-hit ball into the sixth inning against Washington in the divisional round, he allowed two runs on four hits in just four innings against St. Louis.

Yet the simple fact that he's pitching in the postseason is a testament to his ability.

The former Cy Young winner helped the Red Sox beat the Cardinals in last year's World Series, allowing two runs over four innings in his lone start - a game Boston won. With Peavy's playoff experience in mind, the Giants traded for him in late July, even though he was scuffling along with a 1-9 record and didn't look anything like the three-time All-Star of old.

Peavy said the change of scenery helped get him back on track, as did a minor mechanical change. The results were striking: He went 6-4 with a 2.17 ERA after landing in San Francisco.

''I've said all along, when you have guys that believe in you - Bruce Bochy doesn't know anything else but to believe in me,'' Peavy said. ''It's a different feel of belief he has in not just me but all of his players. And I think that's why he gets out of us what he gets out of us.''

Peavy has struggled against the Royals - with a 4.97 ERA that's the worst of any team he's faced more than six times. He also has had problems at spacious Kauffman Stadium, where he is just 1-5 with a 6.42 ERA.

''It just comes down to executing pitches,'' he said. ''I'm going to do all I can do to execute my pitches, and I feel really confident about my ability to do that.''

 

[CNOTES]

Posey tries to add 3rd World Series ring

October 21, 2014


KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Buster Posey seemed almost embarrassed.

With an NL Rookie of the Year award and MVP plaque, with two World Series rings at age 27, and the possibility of earning a third in the next 10 days, the San Francisco Giants catcher is among the candidates to become baseball's most popular star following the retirement of Derek Jeter.

''It's obviously flattering to get those comparisons,'' he said Monday, a day ahead of the World Series opener against Kansas City. ''Derek Jeter is one of a kind. I think for me right now, my focus is on trying to win, trying to win four more games this season.''

He is so boyish looking that when he shaves, he could be mistaken for a high-school student. Giants pitchers maintain he's been a key component to their success.

''He's always been an old young guy, even when he first got here,'' injured ace Matt Cain said. ''He's a guy that's always been wise beyond his years. Definitely doesn't act his age.''

Posey has accomplished so much in such a short time - this is just his fourth full season in the major leagues.

After winning the rookie award in 2010 while helping the Giants to their first Series title since 1954, the next season the Marlins' Scott Cousins ran into him at the plate in late May.

Posey fractured a bone in his lower left leg and tore three ankle ligaments. Such was the concern about those kind of collisions that a new rule took effect this year designed to limit runner-catcher contact.

Posey's outlook on baseball changed in a way he couldn't have anticipated, giving an appreciation for each day he spends as a big leaguer.

''I think the further I get away from the injury, it's harder to keep that in perspective,'' he said. ''I think that it's something that I'm going to continually try to do throughout my career because, you know, just like that'' - and then he snaps his fingers - ''one play and your season could be over, potentially even worse. So you try to enjoy every minute you have out there.''

Posey came back with a historic season, hitting .336 with 24 homers and 103 RBIs to become the first catcher to win the NL batting title since the Boston Braves' Ernie Lombardi in 1942. And then the Giants swept Detroit for their second title in three seasons.

''He's one of the best hitters in the game, so he understands what hitters are trying to do at the plate,'' Giants pitcher Tim Hudson said. ''He understands what their approaches may be at times throughout at_bats. He understands when guys take swings and they look a certain way on certain pitches, what we probably should do to them after that.''

Posey batted .311 with 22 homers and 89 RBIs this season in a year when offense faded to its lowest level in four decades in some categories. What he does at the plate sometimes overshadows his prowess in other phases of the game.

''If you look at a team that's had success, I think you should look behind the plate, because those guys play such a critical role in your success,'' said Giants manager Bruce Bochy, a former big league catcher.

''Buster's got a great way about him. Pitchers love throwing to him,'' he said. ''When he came up, we had some things to tweak with him to make him a better player, and he gets it. He's made himself into, I think, an all-around elite player. Not just a hitter, but a catcher.''

 

[CNOTES]

MLB
Dunkel

San Francisco at Kansas City
The Giants look to follow up last night's 7-1 win in the opener and come into Game 2 with a 7-0 record in Jake Peavy's last 7 starts with the total set at 7 to 8 1/2 runs. San Francisco is the pick (-105) according to Dunkel, which has the Giants favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-105). Here are all of today's MLB picks.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22

Game 903-904: San Francisco at Kansas City (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Peavy) 13.122; Kansas City (Ventura) 11.742
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-115); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-105); Under




MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, October 22

Peavy is 5-0, 1.66 in his last eight starts, 1-3, 7.03 in seven postseason starts; he didn't pitch against the Royals this season.
Royals won last five Ventura starts (4-0, 2.93); he is 0-0, 3.55 in a couple of postseason starts- he has never pitched against the Giants.

Giants won World Series in 2010 and 2012; they're 9-2 this postseason, 4-1 on the road.

Royals are 14-3 in last 17 games, 8-1 this postseason, with five one-run wins. They've won five of their last six home games.

Peavy 5-15/9-5...............6-34 first inning
Ventura 20-12.................7-32 first inning

National League won three of last four World Series; AL teams have 162-132 edge in regular season this year.




MLB

Wednesday, October 22

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8:07 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. KANSAS CITY
San Francisco is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
San Francisco is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Kansas City
Kansas City is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games

 

[CNOTES]

MLB
Long Sheet

Wednesday, October 22

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAN FRANCISCO (97 - 76) at KANSAS CITY (97 - 74) - 8:05 PM
JAKE PEAVY (R) vs. YORDANO VENTURA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PEAVY is 14-20 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
PEAVY is 19-33 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PEAVY is 27-36 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PEAVY is 6-13 (-9.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 97-74 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 32-20 (+10.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
KANSAS CITY is 21-7 (+12.9 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
KANSAS CITY is 7-1 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in October games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 19-7 (+11.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday this season.
KANSAS CITY is 93-71 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 70-49 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 70-52 (+8.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 8-1 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in playoff games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 51-36 (+14.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 24-16 (+9.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 97-76 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 48-39 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 9-2 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in October games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 20-7 (+13.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 97-76 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 30-24 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 66-46 (+17.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 9-2 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in playoff games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 56-40 (+16.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 43-39 (+7.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 3-1 (+2.0 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)

JAKE PEAVY vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
PEAVY is 5-7 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.97 and a WHIP of 1.380.
His team's record is 6-8 (-4.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-9. (-5.2 units)

YORDANO VENTURA vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.