Edward Merrin Gallery of Baseball Heroes salutes Eugenio Velez

An open letter to Mr. Eugenio Velez:

Dear Eugenio,

You have been wronged.

San Francisco has turned its back on a true player of the game. You were our great Dominican hope, Eugenio. You were a youth to be admired, a stalwart player. When you stepped up to bat we all knew that your heart was beating with the rhythm of one thousand national league elephants. Your indomitable spirit went unparalleled by your teammates. Your goatee was a symbol of truth, integrity, and Lincolnic honesty. Your "8" jersey, if it were turned sideways, would look like the sign for infinity, and this is no coincidence. Even though you have been demoted to the minor leagues, your memory as a San Francisco Giant will last for eternity.

Second base and right field won't be the same without you, Eugenio. They say you were sent to Fresno to "get your game back," and to regain your confidence. You and I know the truth, though. It wasn't your confidence that was faltering these past few games. It was Bruce Bochy's confidence that has allowed this travesty to occur. Fresno AAA? I scoff at the very idea. Eugenio Velez's name deserves to be celebrated with lights of the major leagues, not half-priced hot dogs and sweltering agro-heat. Fresno is no place for you, Mr. Velez. The cool San Francisco breeze will claim you again, soon, I think.

Meanwhile, I do have some words for impatient Frenchman Bruce Bochy. He explains himself like he is doing you a favor, like you're a troubled youth "unready" to make it in the big leagues. He has no idea what he's doing. Bruce Bochy is too busy drinking cafe au lait and eating croissants to know the first thing about baseball.

I wish you all the best in the Saharan desert of Fresno.

You are a baseball hero for the ages, Eugenio Velez.

Sincerely,

Edward Merrin
General Manager, Edward Merrin Gallery of Baseball Heroes

Cross-League Game: White Sox vs. Giants

I caught the White Sox-Giants game yesterday. Or should I say, the White Sox-Giants disaster. Truth be told, I was a little under the weather that day. And by "under the weather" I mean I had been drinking large quantities of gin and enjoying the beautiful view from the view reserved seats in the sun at AT&T park. So I saw the loss, but I didn't fully appreciate it, as libation had sated the majority of my despair.

There were a lot of good doubles that I saw, and an extended period of hope for a victory that was stunningly crushed in the last two innings.

The white sox demolished us. Demolished!

Edward Merrin Gallery of Baseball Heroes: Manny Ramirez

Did you catch Manny Ramirez milk a catch for all a catch has ever been worth?

Never mind that the Red Sox lost the game. Never mind that Manny Ramirez's showmanship undoubtedly one-upped his (admittedly thrilling and spectacular) catch. The sheer gall of Manny Ramirez as earned him a highly coveted spot on the Edward Merrin Gallery of Baseball Heroes, despite his shameful non-Giants status.

Manny Ramirez HIGH-FIVED a fan after catching a ball. High-fived a fan before even throwing the ball back into play. Took the time for a celebratory high-five WHILE the play was in motion.

The glorious play can be seen here:


You the man, Manny.

High five.

Edward Merrin Gallery of Baseball Heroes Special Induction: Matt Cain!

It's not every day that a PITCHER HITS A HOME RUN!!!!!

To quote the billboards I see all over the city, Matt Cain is a GAMER!!!!!

I'm too excited to write a full post on this.


Chronicle article Here.



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Edward Merrin Gallery of Baseball Heroes: Nancy Pelosi

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi made a cameo at Sunday's Giants/Phillies game, granting her a spot in the Edward Merrin Gallery of Baseball Heroes. Congratulations, congresswoman. I'll think of you when that tax rebate finally comes.

In other news, the Giants players made their mothers proud yesterday, beating the Phillies in a 4-3 victory. It was a close call, but our boys pulled through in the end. I saw Velez make a key catch, and there were some good base hits.

Edward Merrin Gallery of Baseball Heroes: Matt Cain

The latest inductee in the Edward Merrin Gallery of Baseball Heroes is none other than 23-year old starting pitcher Matt Cain. The same age as not-yet-inducted Brian Bocock (whose induction I fear may never occur, due to some unforgivable rookie mistakes Bocock has let loose early in the season), Matt Cain has nonetheless demonstrated considerable talent despite his paltry number of years on the earth. In fact, numbers have a great deal to do with the Edward Merrin Gallery of Baseball Heroes' latest induction. The number ten, for instance.

Ten consecutive winless starts. That was Matt Cain's record for this season before last night's 4-0 victory against the Rockies.

Matt Cain has a history of losing games, but time has shown that once Cain begins to win, more wins will erupt. As is the case for many of our young American men, confidence begets confidence, and I think this win is the first of many for our young and able Cain.

Edward Merrin Gallery of Baseball Heroes: Fred Lewis

Granted, I only caught the first half of the first inning. But I saw Fred Lewis score the first run of the game, and as I had previously doubted him, I feel it is only right that I tip my hat to him at this moment.

That, and I've been checking up on some forums, listening to the radio a good amount, and everyone seems to think that Fred Lewis is a vital member of this team. So I'm willing to give him a trial run at the Edward Merrin Gallery of Baseball Heroes. Note to Fred Lewis: this is a probational position.