View from the Couch

BY SCREAMIN' BILL LEEMAN

I don't know if you know this, but today is Yom Kippur, the Jewish new year, and it is the custom of all good Jews to go to Temple this evening and spend a few hours atoning for their sins of the past year. 

My former wife asked me if I was going.  

I said "You're darned right I am.   My Temple is the Temple of the National League West, I've got my Yamaka on now (Giants cap, turned backwards) and I'm just about to sidle up to the alter of my 46" HD TV."  

Oh yeah. 

Come worship with me.

Because I am beyond pumped!  I AM JACKED!  This is the most Giants fun we've had in about five or six years.   Man, what a ride!  

I can't wait for the next game.   The ups, the downs, the torture that is Giants baseball 2010.   And finally, last night, a blowout against the suddenly hapless Dodgers, to put the final exclamation mark on the season's series and launch us into the sole possession of first place.   It couldn't have come at a better time, or against a better opponent.

OUR FIRST PLACE GIANTS!

This seems to be a team that is destined to win.   I mean, there is a different hero every night.   And that's what happens on winning teams.

Our pitching absolutely sucked in August (torture), and we are practically untouchable in September.   Even Barry Zito got his MoJo back Tuesday night.   Before that game, I didn't want to see him on the mound ever again.   But then, on Tuesday against the Dodgers, he was his old self, burning batters with his wicked curve, keeping them off balance all night.  Are you kidding me, they only got one hit!   His only fault was he hit a batter then walked a couple, which makes me want to choke him, but the fact is, is that he gave up just ONE RUN.   Holy smokes, what more can a guy do?   He has taken Matt Cains' place as the hard luck pitcher.   The Giants have scored a total of 11 runs in Zitos last 11 starts.  

Anyway, he still gives me the galloping willies when his turn comes up.    

Maybe we should look at it as a part of the 'Grand Scheme.'

I give Pat Burrell BIG kudos, he has been on a World Championship team.   He is the consummate professional.   Relaxed, and concentrating.  And even after a tough loss, he's still relaxed and that attitude rubs off on the younger players.   Oh, by the way, did you see that home run he hit off the top of that building in San Diego?   My mouth is still hanging open.

Huff, Posey, Uribe, Torres, Freddie Sanchez, all inspiring with their gloves and their bats.  You see Posey throwing darts to second to cut down base-stealers?   Man!  Johnny Bench?   Close.   Even Cody Ross.   He covers so much ground in the outfield it's scary.  

You know, when we looked at the Giants' line-up early in the year, there were two, maybe three guys that could hit one out.  Lately, there are eight.  What a pleasant situation to be in.   And a bull-pen that will hold them.   And a very studly, no nonsense, take-no-prisoners closer in Brian Wilson?   Why, we're looking pretty good, aren't we?

Now, as for the Panda, would someone tell him he needs to get in shape?  For gosh sakes, he has about 20 to 30 extra pounds on him, and it is definitely hampering his fielding, his batting, and his running.  Period.   He's a good athlete, but I'd like to see him in shape, so he could give the most to this team.    He has hit into about 28 DPs this year, and it seems like he has no control over what he swings at.    I'd like to see him ride the bench for awhile.   Put Renteria at short and Uribe at third. 

And Rowand, could he take a long walk on a short pier?   No, I'm just kidding.   Because as sure as I am sitting here, he'll come up with a pinch hit or something to be the hero tomorrow, or next week.

That's the way this team goes.  

It's all part of the torture that is the Giants 2010, and it seems to be all part of the 'Grand Scheme.'

I've got tickets to the last two games against those imposters from San Diego.   It's a good thing they have Bud Black as manager, because he is about as inspirational as a Presto-Log.  I'm predicting a sweep right now.

I sincerely believe we're headed for the playoffs, and beyond.   This is so much fun, I just can't wait to see how it all unfolds.

Let's play two.