! ! ! ! Can’t get any lower. Still I feel I’m sinking ! ! ! !
Outshined by Chris Cornell and Soundgarden. The theme song for your SF Giants 2026 team.
In a season full of pitching debacles and crushing losses, they managed to pull one out for the ages.
Yes, the biggest blown 9th inning league in the 125 year history of the team. They were 2,208-0 when leading by 6 or more in the 9th. Til today.
Up 9-3 in the top of the 9th, the team could not even get an out before Cincy tied it. Bivans came in and really had no clue. Not sure why whoever the interim manager even was didn’t pull him a little faster, but I think it was pretty obvious Bivens didn’t have it. He gave up the longest home run into the cove that I’ve ever seen. Then again, Smith came in and nuked the joint. And the rest was errors, walks and general rookie ball crap.
I guess the lockout is a blessing.
For Dolly . . .
Forty Niners Forever 
I think it’s time for Buster to exploit proximity to the frontiers of science:
https://www.amywebbfuturist.com/p/synthetic-biology-just-had-its-chatgpt
Yes lol James, Yeah Buster needs to follow that quote:”What I can’t build I don’t understand “ A work in progress for sure for this whole organization!
homegrown is good
Didn’t J Kush just buy the Lakers? Didn’t even know they were up for sale.
A cool $13 billion. Fuck me sideways.
We seem to be heading to the Dark Ages. Science is bad. Religion is the rule of the day and the knee to the throat. The rich get filthier, the poor get ground into dust, and the middle cless is taxed to the poor house.
Yeah, we let the kids get away with far too much.
Had to go into Good Sam hospital in LG for minor surgery yesterday; in/out in few hours. Great facility and everyone (surgeon included) was great and helpful. Makes me feel better about younger generation of health care workers who not only have patients to deal with but mountain of paperwork on iPads and computers.
Nurse checking me in asked if it was my first time there–I laughed said it was first time in any hospital in about 70 years since I got tonsils removed.
Hope Adames gets as much time needed off to recover but it’s hard to be mad at guy who wants to play every day and help the younger IF guys out. Remember they are minus Schmitt Chapman and Arraez.
as long as we’re on subject of younger guys, rough 2 days back for Bericoto. Day before had 3 Ks and GIDP, yesterday costly error in LF. Game is tougher than it looks.
Found another book to recommend, “the Sportsman” by Dhani Jones former NFL lineman. while first part is about ups/downs of his career second part details his involvement in travel show he did while playing, in btw OTA and start of preseason games. Unique individual with his own way of motivating himself.
What he did was visit other countries for a week while being filmed doing main sport of that country. As in playing rugby in England, hurling in ireland, cycling in Italy, fighting in SE Asia (muay thai etc) yachting in New Zealand, walking with 300 lb rock in Iceland, etc. He’d spend week training with their people doing their sport, often to their disdain and fact they wanted to kick his ass during real competition. and of course wining/dining visitng local town and cuisine. did bring with him his own personal trainer from US.
Fascinating travel writing and lot more.
Jones was linebacker not lineman.
Here’s a line from when he visited Dubrovnik Croatia where he was to try to play water polo which is done in the ocean during summer, not a pool. His group was trying to find a party in street without numbered addresses, and eventually did.
“It’s not always easy to get off the tourist trail, but it’s the only way to create the kind of memories that you can’t find in a guidebook.”
couple other gringos and I wandered around Managua one day trying to deliver a letter to a blue house near the statue of Jose Marti. Of course, turned out there were several such statues in town. Travelling without a camera used to help me wander off the tourist trail.
“Nurse checking me in asked if it was my first time there–I laughed said it was first time in any hospital in about 70 years since I got tonsils removed.”
Still laughing about this . . . This is almost essentially my record too Willie; and, I want to keep it that way.
The primary causes of in-hospital death are underlying, terminal conditions like advanced heart disease, cancer, organ failure, and major trauma. Ergo . . . Keep taking care of yourself Willie. Who knows? It may be another 70 years before you visit a hospital again.
70 years without going to a hospital? What the ever lovin’ hell are you guys doing to accomplish that? Must be genetics. I can’t even count the number of hospital visits I’ve had just over the past few years. I actually did make it to 60 with just one or two joint operations, but my 60s nearly killed me, and now at 70, it’s fairly constant. Even-numbered years only, though (ha, like the Giants!). So I’m already looking forward to next year, no hospital visits if the trend continues.
Just had a sad thing here; met and had just started seeing a lovely 46 year old spa owner a handful of months ago. Things were going well, then I had my hospital stuff for the kidneys, which took me out of it for about 6 weeks. Just as I was getting out and recovering at home, she had to go in, had edema everywhere, she sent photos, everything was swollen and she was in such pain. She said she would tell me when she felt well enough for me to go visit her… and then she was gone. She went in to that hospital and never came out. That’s a very good reason to avoid hospitals. Although I must say, the nurse angels I had were amazing. The only thing good about hospitals here…..
I hate hospitals with a passion. I know this is anecdotal and conflicts with what I wrote earlier and know to be factual, but my overall experience with hospitals (visiting friends and relatives) is that 99% of them died, mostly due to infection (sepsis); disease, and/or trauma.
Consequently, I avoid them as much as possible.
Been to the doctor a million times for a million stupid things but no hospitals, thankfully. Even my shoulder surgery in 2008 was done at an offsite surgical center in a strip mall. I think I used up all my hospital visits when i was in an incubator for 6 weeks when I was born.
That’s the way to do it, no memory of it…..
Yeah, because the worst thing is (as I have observed) not being able to sleep or get any semblance of rest, as they are always prodding or doing tests on your body.
I alluded to the nurse angels here in VN. Every hospital stay, same thing. This last visit was difficult in several ways. Every night, as the pain killer was wearing off, I’d open my eyes, and there sitting at my bedside was either Ms. Thao or Ms. Nha. Just sitting there, eyes closed, holding my hand. Didn’t even need more painkillers, I went right back to sleep…. I still miss them. Too bad they’re all married….
Oh Paul, that is terrible news. My deepest condolences on the loss of your friend.
I’ve lost so many friends, family, mentors, and precious pets, this past decade I can’t even keep count anymore.
The 21st of this month will mark the one year anniversary of losing my oldest boy (43yrs) to cancer. They gave him 6 months, he was gone in 4. This time last year, I was in Vancouver, at his bedside, for his final days.
The day after Labor Day (always a Tuesday — certain dates/numbers don’t matter when it’s comes to aspects of this subject), will be 7 years since I lost my youngest son (27yrs) son to homicide. Needless to say, It was a brutal experience. I came very close to losing my mind after that, and was the reason I was an absentee Flapper for many years.
I was, for the longest time, reluctant and stayed mute about sharing my story of grief & loss. Yet, over time, have discovered that by being willing to risk sharing my story with a few I trust (y’all are in that category) I’ve not only received vital support that I so very much needed, have been able to be of service to help others walk this incredibly dark path.
I’ll be starting my 76th circle around the Sun in a few months and am now 9 months out from my own encounter with cancer — had surgery to remove a malignancy. The procedure was a major ass-whooping. Medicos told me if I didn’t do it they were giving me 5 years max. Also told me, because of the survivability factor, 70 was their usual cut-off as most over that age could not come back from it. They felt I was in good enough shape to make it. They were right, I’m back! I played a gig this afternoon! Fuckin Yay!
Finally, if any of you are facing any such issues in your life, I am here for you. It would be an honor and true privilege to do so. And tho that may seem generous, it also helps me in ways I cannot begin to describe.
Day or night: Lisle Ellis 212-335-0935 ellislisle@hotmail.com
Oh, Lisle… losing a child is devastating, but losing two? My goodness. Rough decade indeed. I was depressed as hell for a week after my friend here died. I cannot even imagine dealing with the loss of one’s children like that…. But so great that you are back, baby! Keep on playin’, it’s all we got….
Yes Paul, it’s an ineffable experience. Regular words are useless. I often think of a particular line delivered by Jody Foster’s character in the movie, Contact. She is trying to describe what she is witnessing on her voyage and she stumbles with her description: “ .. so beautiful, so .. ahh .. They should have sent a poet.”
It is indescribably strange when one single person is removed from your life and the entire planet seems suddenly devoid of life.
Yet, I truly believe the experience has made me a better person, more worthy of this existence and has helped me develop my 3 basic rules to that end:
And I will add .. through all of that trying time, I continued to read the Flap everyday. Baseball was/is my solace, my anchor. It is a profound ‘gravity’ for me. It may sound like an exaggeration but, I say without hesitation, this blog; you guys; saved my life.
Now, I’ll attempt to Shut-the-Fuck-Up.
bassbaldy- I to have lost so much in the last few years I am the last person standing from my immediate family and all my close friends passed since 2023. It put me in a very deep depression. Thank God for the people at Hospice they ran grief groups a couple times a week. I did those for a year and I would have done them longer but I had to move. The old saying “you don’t miss your water till your well runs dry is true.”i guess this is what happens when you get older. And I think about it everyday “why am I still here. Sports have been a major reprieve from the world even when the teams suck. I have a few health issues but as of now I don’t take any medications. Glad to hear about yours and Willedav’s success story
“I am the last person standing from my immediate family and all my close friends passed since 2023.”
Same here Winder for my immediate family; and, lost a very good childhood friend last year.
I read recently that your 70s become the “line in the sand” so to speak, where you are thinking more about how many more years you have on this ball – versus your 50s and 60s, where you don’t think about age much, and are certainly, still planning on things to do and places to see and explore/experience.
That is a lot of loss Winder in an extremely short span. The depression can be devastating, many don’t come back from it. I’m glad you found the grief groups helpful. I certainly did my share. Throughout my life, loss was a pretty much a regular occurrence. I’m one of 12 children (7boys, 5girls). On my mothers side there were 9. Therefore, a true horde: aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews etc, etc, on & on. Growing up, it felt like I was attending a family funeral every month or so. I thought that experience might prepare me for what was to come. It did not. Now with old age and all my brothers and one sister gone. Plus, the passing of friends (some I was closer to than family) it feels as though the ‘torture’ will never end. I keep reminding myself I’ve more yesterdays than tomorrows and I’ll soon be out of here. Meanwhile, trying to greet each day with hope. It’s not always easy. Thanks for sharing all you did with me. You’ve helped me face another day.
BB, just saw this . . . So sorry for your losses . . . No other words, except the same sentiments you expressed for everyone here.
Thanks Blade. I’m aware that you have a new beautiful precious little beauty in your life. I realize I don’t have to remind YOU, but I’ll say it anyway … Hold her close at every opportunity, tell them you love them every chance you get, say YES as often as possible.
I do . . . and when I make mistakes, I apologize to her.
thanks guys, Most of the time I am ok but I still do a lot of talking to dead people it makes me feel better.
Damn, Bass. Can’t imagine losing a child. Two would be put me over the edge. So sorry to hear what you’ve gone through but so glad to hear you are back out there playing.
Same goes to you, Paul. Getting older sure has its disadvantages. Keep on truckin’.
Tale of 4 Giants best hitters, per B/R.
Of Schmitt Lee Devers Eldridge, Lee leads BA by far at .293. Eldridge has best OB at .340, Schmitt the worst at .301. Schmitt has highest slugging at .483 and OPS almost even with Devers at .784 vs. 788. Eldridge btw has worst slugging pct of the 4 slightly lower than that of Lee at .430. those two have slightly lower total OPS than the others .766 for Lee and .769 for Eldridge.
Turner Hill and Jonah Cox up, McCray and Furman back to Sac. Good moves.
Definitely agreed.
McCray is done with the Giants he can wrap up his measly career in Sac and move on!
He’s a good outfielder with probably their best arm but he can’t hit a lick in the majors.. Last 3 years while up here 2024 .202 ..2025 ..091 this year 2026 .081 he’s actually gotten worse from his 1st year and has a hideous.164 career average..Adios McCray just another bust of a 3rd rd pick #87..
BB, definitely sending my condolences to you on your losses. That is unimaginable to me. I am constantly thinking about my two snarkettes — where they are, what they are doing, hoping nothing bad happens to them, and that they find happiness in life. The older one was in a car wreck a month ago — she luckily was not hurt except for a tweaked neck, but her car was totaled by some lady speeding across an unprotected intersection that T-boned her at the passenger side back door. Just this past week, the younger one broke up from a 4+ year relationship with a good guy, in my opinion, and she is devastated. You might try not to live much through your kids, but it’s not possible.
I’ll check inthe health board here. I’ve had 6 surgeries in my life in the last 20 years. Major 4-hour jaw surgery back in 2008 for sleep apnea (broke both my jaws and moved everything forward), a gall bladder removal 10 years ago, and 4 prostate/urinary system surgeries in the last 3 years. The parts are wearing out and the warranty period is past ! I’ve seen more doctors in the past 3+ years since I retired than all combined in my pre-retirement life.
That said, I never took good health for granted when I was younger, and sure as hell don’t now. Somebody may be better off than I am, but for sure there are those who aren’t. Mrs. snarkk and I will visit a woman friend in a few weeks up near the SanJuan Islands. Her husband is 68, has latter stage of early-onset Alzheimers, he has no clue who he is, who she is, and where he is. In memory care. And, has advanced prostate cancer they have decided to not even treat anymore because of the rapid pace of Alzheimers. Just a year ago we could have a pretty advanced conversation. Now, forget it. Horrendous. His situation makes me feel like a jackass when I start to feel a bit sorry for myself.
After that short trip, mrs. snarkk and I are off to Boston to visit the younger snarkette, help her lick her wounds, and then take 10 days up in Maine and New Hampshire for fall foliage and visit some friends. Then, we’re flying out of Logan to Ireland for two weeks. I’ve never been, except in the Shannon airport for a layover. Going to go the the Guinness brewery for taste of the real thing, and travel around the Emeral Isle a bit, including Roscommon county to pay tribute to my Irish side ancestry.
Like Red said in Shawshank Redemption, you gotta either “get busy livin’, or get busy dyin’…”
Safe travels. Ireland should be fun. Quite an art just to pour Guinness.
My one trip to Ireland years ago consisted of driving around much of the country with my then girlfriend Geraldine O’Connell and her brother Patrick in search of the perfect pint. Eventually found it at Gus O’Connor’s pub in Doolin…. yum!
Yeah brother, those of us with children relate to this horrific subject at just a slightly deeper level than some others. Being on perpetual ‘high alert’ is exhausting and now that you’ve had a close call with one child in the car accident (so good to know she survived) and are witnessing the other’s suffering with heartbreak, your reactions are only going to intensify.
There is no word in our language for someone who has lost a child. We have ‘Orphans’ (from the Greek Orphanus: without parents) and there is ‘Widow’ (Sanskrit word meaning ‘emptied out’). As for losing a child, recently some have proposed the word ‘Vilomah’; a Sanskrit word meaning ‘against nature’.
One never gets over, passed, through, or beyond this pain. The best that can happen is one learns to live with it in away that doesn’t control every aspect of our existence.
Again, big hugs BB, Winder, and anyone else here whom has experienced loss of a loved one.
wow instant dividend from Cox in CF.
I hit many of the usual spots in Dublin, but one cool place that was entirely free of tourists was Marsh’s Library. St Stephen’s Green around sunset was good, too. I watched a guy methodically mesmerize a swan.
also Galway, though tourist ridden, must be one of the most soulfully festive places in the world.
Agree, I got lucky and happened to hit Galway city during its annual oyster festival. Actually, that whole road trip just kept hitting festival after festival — the turf races at Listowel, the matchmaking festival at… damn, forget the town. So fun.
how about the Galway buskers? Like a huge concert with a dozen well spaced stages.
Gotta love Buddy Kennedy, he of the amazing line .038 .138 .077 … Can he finally slug at 007? C’mon, Buddy, you can do it!
Boxscore says Bericoto throwing error. Is he defensively worse than the guy we traded away? Wish I could see with my own eyes what’s what.
I bet he’s more coachable.
Eldridge lined into double play, center to second, Devers doubled off second. San Francisco Giants challenged: call on the field was upheld. Pffft! Same ol’, same ol’ . . .