Casey Blake Created Some More Intensity in the Giants-Dodgers Rivalry
by Brendan Scolari on May 11, 2009 7:17 PM PDT
90 comments
Or maybe Brian Wilson is just being a baby. But it seems that there may be even more bad blood between the Dodgers and Giants the next time they meet. In the 12th inning of yesterday's game Casey Blake launched a home run off of Giant's closer Brian Wilson to tie the score. After Blake got into the dugout he mocked Wilson's celebration that he does after each save, which can be seen here. This was apparently quite upsetting to Wilson, who has said that he makes the cross because of his religious beliefs and in honor of his late father.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle
"One by one, the Giants visited Wilson in the clubhouse... to console him after a friend sent to Wilson's cell phone an image of Blake mocking the cross-armed gesture the closer makes after each save... Wilson seemed very distraught about the incident.
Wilson wasn't eager to discuss the incident. Asked if he might talk to Blake the next time they meet, Wilson stood silent. (Giants reliever) Jeremy Affeldt, standing in the next locker said, 'Blake knows what he did.'"
I personally thought the whole thing was very funny. I hate seeing Wilson's celebration after every save because I think it looks kind of ridiculous. And if you are going to celebrate in an outgoing way, you should be able to handle when people make fun of your celebration. I know that it means a lot to Wilson, but there is still a point where you cross the line for what you can do on the baseball field and not have people think you are showing them up. Interestingly enough, the same thing happened in Baltimore yesterday, with Aubrey Huff mimicking Joba Chamberlain's fist pump at home plate after he hit a home run off of Joba.
However, some Giants fans don't feel the same way. Talk radio in the Bay Area is buzzing with people and hosts who think Casey Blake is a punk (and some other words) and he will get drilled the next time the two teams meet up. He's apparently the new most hated Dodger in San Francisco. It will take a while to find out, the next Dodgers-Giants series isn't until August, but it should be interesting to see if this is still a story then. Anything that makes the rivalry more fun is okay by me.
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Much too do about nothing:
I think Wilson should be able to handle it and not dramatically overreact.
"There's only one man you gotta please, and it's the one upstairs," Pierre said. "People even hated God and Jesus. That'll tell you what all the critics do.
That's what I think too.
Although apparently he (and Giants fans) disagrees.
by Brendan Scolari on May 11, 2009 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Brian Wilson
is a mouth-breathing mongoloid.
I always thought Casey was colorless and average – well at least now he’s colorful!
It was pretty surprising
I would not have guessed that Casey would be the one to mock another player.
by Brendan Scolari on May 11, 2009 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Billy Sadler
One of the relievers last year, I think that’s who you are talking about.
by Brendan Scolari on May 11, 2009 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions
By August...
SF will be 10+ games behind us and we’ll see who’s’ gesturin’ who. Go Blake – take Wilson deep next time too. : )
Brian Wilson was just missing Eugene Landy.
Are all the ballplayers supposed to know what all the other players little gestures are supposed to mean? I know the MLBPA is the world’s smallest union, but do the members know each other that well??
SF fans just need something to talk about.
I'm sure they don't
And that’s what makes the outrage so preplexing to me.
by Brendan Scolari on May 11, 2009 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Who the hell Would've thought that sign would have that significance
but Giants fans never think logically When it comes to a Dodger topic.
"Chemistry is a class you take in high school or college, where you figure out two plus two is 10, or something."
- Dennis Rodman
I knew
But then again I happen to be surrounded by Giants fans and go to a lot of Giants games. I would bet that Casey didn’t though.
by Brendan Scolari on May 11, 2009 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions
wilson is a little bîtch
Go ahead, wilson. Do your gay cross-arm thing. Hit Blake and put a runner on base in a closing situation. You’ll end up blowing another save.
I don't think Wade is injured
And he’s not going to the minors.
I would have no problem with getting rid of Mota.
If not Mota, or Wade, its likely Leach then.
Sending Leach back to double A, putting Schmidt on the 60 day DL to make room for Milton?
So there's your open spot for Milton
if they want to use it. Personally, I hate it. Milton would be a poor starter but even worse in the pen.
Haven't thought about that. Makes sense.
On a related note, isn’t it time to pare down the roster to a 12 man pitching staff?
Having only 12 position players made sense since the 9 regular starters tended to play almost everyday, but now with Manny’s suspended, and Juan Pierre starting, and Furcal probably hurt, you need another infielder. Might be time to recall DeWitt, or Hu.
Oh yes ...
someone said it before, I forget where.
If Hu ever drives in Hudson (the O-Dog) then Who Let the Dogs Out must be played on the stadium organ! It HAS to HAPPEN!!
by Seanny Rotten on May 11, 2009 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Why do we get burned everytime we send DeWitt down ???
…something bad happens whenever he’s away for the team. Seriously every time..
Where did you see that Furcal is hurt?
Also, Torre says here that he plans on keeping 13 pitchers throughout the road trip.
by Brendan Scolari on May 11, 2009 9:52 PM PDT up reply actions
His game on Sunday?
Its just speculation, but Furcal isn’t one to mention when he’s hurting until its too late.
That Torre didn’t pull Furcal when it went into extra innings was odd. Especially with the way Furcal played, what with double clutching the ball, and what not. Is not Juan Castro supposed to be your backup shortstop? Why wasn’t he in the game at that time?
So when would you have taken Furcal out?
by Brendan Scolari on May 11, 2009 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions
10th inning, when it was clear that the game was going to last longer than anyone expected.
By that time, defense takes hold over offense. Dodgers are the home team, and its primary goal is to make sure the Giants don’t score, so the Dodgers would only need one run to win the game.
If Juan Castro is there to be the defensive specialist, then a game going into extra innings is the perfect time to use him. Especially for a guy slumping on defense like Furcal has lately.
However, if Torre doesn’t believe Castro can’t hack it defensively, then its time to cut bait, release Castro, and promote DeWitt or Hu in his place.
I don't really agree with the notion
That defense is more valuable than offense in extra innings. I can’t think of a logical reason why that would be.
But even assuming that is the case, Furcal led off the bottom of the 10th inning. If you were the manager and you took out Furcal to put in Castro there I would have lambasted you. ;-)
by Brendan Scolari on May 11, 2009 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Okay, you let him bat, and then pull him.
Rather, defense might be more valuable at home when the home team has the option of batting last. Any run scored in a tied game by the home team in extra innings ends the game. So your goal is to keep it tied to allow yourself more opportunities do this.
On the road, I’d keep Furcal in the game as long as possible because you have to play for as many runs as you can get, since even if you score a run, the opposing team has one more inning to either tie or win the game.
Sorry
But doesn’t Furcal’s offense help you score the one run you need? If we had scored earlier we wouldn’t have had to bring in Mota because the game would have been over already.
by Brendan Scolari on May 11, 2009 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions
By the time Furcal's at bat comes again, its already two or three innings past.
By that time, the game may already be over due to a misplay by defense.
I don’t know, there’s no right answers, just a lot of wrong ones.
I think I would agree
If Furcal played Adam Dunn defense or something, but his defense is not usually that bad.
Plus, with our limited bench Castro wuld have been able to prevent a pitcher from batting in the 14th inning or so.
by Brendan Scolari on May 11, 2009 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Also
I don’t think Castro is even that much better of a defensive shortstop than Furcal, although lately Furcal hasn’t been good.
by Brendan Scolari on May 11, 2009 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions
That's the thing though. He's on the team for a reason.
And that’s to be Furcal’s backup when he needs to be. If you’re not pulling Furcal for Castro in that situation, then you might as well use his spot to call up Hu when needed, and then send Hu down again whenever Furcal needs a breather.
I don't think he's on the team so he can go in for Furcal in extra inning games.
He’s on the team because the Dodgers feel he’s the 4th best middle infielder (behind Furcal, O-Dog, and Loretta) in the organization. Dewitt is better but needs the playing time in AAA and the same goes for Hu, though I’m not sure if they feel Hu would be better or not.
by Brendan Scolari on May 11, 2009 10:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Is Clint Hurdle going to be fired soon?
Release Mota!
When will people learn? Democracy doesn't work!
There are rumors the he will be fired soon.
by Brendan Scolari on May 11, 2009 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I can see him getting canned soon.
My dream is that Shapiro is fired too and then McCourt pounces on the opportunity and hires Shapiro to replace Ned….
by Brendan Scolari on May 11, 2009 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions
I would think White bolts if McCourt hires from outside.
Besides, other than 2007, what can either Shapiro or Wedge hang their hat on?
He's been pretty widely considered
One of the best GM’s in the game. Heavily uses statistical analysis, drafts well, makes shrewd trades, and Cleveland has developed a ton of front office talent. I think he’s probably a top 5 GM, and I worry White will leave anyways, so I’d take the sure thing.
by Brendan Scolari on May 11, 2009 10:47 PM PDT up reply actions
They had Josh Wilson (their backup SS)
Pitch today because they were down 13-5 and had used a lot of their bullpen the last couple days. He threw a scoreless inning and was hitting 89 on gameday.
by Brendan Scolari on May 11, 2009 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions
I want to see Loney pitch
But I’m worried he would blow his arm out in a freak accident. Still, imagine if the Dodgers decided to make him a starting pitcher instead of a first baseman.
It's kind of hard to picture.
He just doesn’t seem like a pitcher to me. I’d imagine him having a delivery kind of like Scott Elbert.
by Brendan Scolari on May 11, 2009 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions
I just imagine Loney's delivery
Being sort of violent like that. No idea how it actually looks.
by Brendan Scolari on May 11, 2009 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Soon, they will ask Gonzo to be on the team again.
….And then He’ll be suspended for 50 games the first time he’s asked to pee in a cup.
Those are some freakish arms.
At least Gonzo didn’t go from 10 homeruns in ’97 to 57 in ’01. Oh wait…
by Brendan Scolari on May 11, 2009 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't think fans really cared.
And the media seemed pretty oblivious to it all.
by Brendan Scolari on May 11, 2009 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Chad Billingsley story by Dylan Hernandez.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dodgers-billingsley12-2009may12,0,6066319.story
Hernandez has been one of the harsher critics about Billingsley about last Oct.’s collapse. Seems they buried the hatchet here.
Good to hear.
It’s not like it’s unbelievable that he struggled. A young pitcher going against a left-handed heavy elite offense (especially in Philly), that’s a pretty tough environment.
by Brendan Scolari on May 11, 2009 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Not that...
…reporters care about that kind of logic crap anyway. He obviously just didn’t have enough heart™.
John Sickels put up a 1st inning video of Milton from his May 7th start. He started out 86 miles an hour but by the end of the inning was hitting 88-91. Very strange they pulled him after two innings since I can’t see them bringing him up as a relief pitcher since they wouldn’t be able to use him against the Phillies until Thursday. Maybe they sold him and the team that bought him didn’t want him pitching anymore.
Ryan Zimmerman is a beast right now.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I thought Milton could opt out anytime he wants
If he thought another team would give him a major-league spot, wouldn’t he be gone already?
Brian Wilson isn't leaving this alone.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dodgers-fyi12-2009may12,0,3189404.story
“It could be a catalyst if you want to look at it that way,” he said. “There’s always something to fuel the fire. You’re always looking for some excuse to get riled up.”
The incident so upset Wilson that he wouldn’t speak to reporters about it Sunday and had to be consoled by teammates.
Asked whether Blake’s actions surprised him, Wilson said, “In this day and age, everyone’s got some meaning behind what they do. Whether a guy crosses home plate and points to the sky; he’s not just pointing to the clouds, right?”
Interesting responses from Dodgers fans
All I read from you guys is “Wilson is a whiner” and other such statements. The bottom line is, Blake decided to mock his opposing pitcher. If Wilson’s gesture had no meaning to it, I would agree that Wilson needs to drop the issue. I’ll even give Blake the benefit of doubt that he didn’t know its meaning. However, once Blake was notified that the pitcher’s gesture was to his late father, Blake should have been an adult and apologize for the disrespect, not to the pitcher but for inadvertently disrespecting the memory of his father. It’s one thing to mock a pitcher, and another to blatantly disrespect a lost relative. This rivalry is intense under ideal conditions. It doesn’t need to escalate.
However, once Blake was notified that the pitcher’s gesture was to his late father
It was reported that by the time the press found out about this and went to ask Blake, he was already showered and gone. For all we know, he might not have known anything about this until he met the team yesterday for the flight to Philadelphia.
He should absolutely not apologize to the sniveling whiner.
Feel sorry for him because he’s totally mentally unbalanced and has one of the goofiest gesture in the history of humanity maybe, but that’s his prerogative.
Agreed
Yet, once he did find out, he should have made an effort to make amends. I’m sure his coach knows how to contact the Giants coach. He could just say “I was just trying to poke fun at you, but didnt realise there was more to the gesture.” An apology like that would be accepted by most everyone. But, I think he does need to make a public statement about it. If he doesn’t, he’ll be crucified in the public’s eye.
OK, here's my thought...
My understanding of Wilson’s gesture is that it is supposed to honor his deceased father and be an expression of his devout following of Christianity. When something like this occurs, what would be the ideal response for someone who professes to be a devout Christian? Pout to the media and vaguely indicate some kind of retribution against Casey Blake in the future?
I believe that if Brian Wilson wanted to show his devotion to following Christianity, he would Turn the Other Cheek and unconditionally forgive Casey with no more questions asked.
I’m very sorry if I offended anyone by bringing religion into this, but I feel that the purpose of Brian Wilson’s arm gestures make this an appropriate context to discuss.
2009 LA Kings Hockey: thanks to Joe Sakic's snowblower, WE'RE BETTER THAN THE AV'S!!!!
by DodgerBlueBalls on May 12, 2009 8:41 AM PDT up reply actions
So true ...
how come so few Christians in professional sports behave christ-like? Brian Wilson is not following his Scripture too well. It’s not as though Blake committed a sin and you have to stand up against evil – he mocked your stupid hand gesture!
by Seanny Rotten on May 12, 2009 9:01 AM PDT up reply actions
i think you need some thicker skin
if you’re going to make your own celebration. people outside of the bay will have no idea what you’re doing and have no responsibility to find out. it’s your thing. and throwing it out there in front of an opposing crowd on the regular is going to make you a target. deal.
"the public's eye"
In SF maybe, but that judgment has already been made. Outside of the Bay area, does anyone really care? LA’s in the discussion only because Blake did it instead of some other team.
by David Young on May 12, 2009 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions
I love everything about this photo
I love that Blake did it. I love the grin he has on his face. I love the way Blake’s beard looks in the photo (okay maybe now I’m going overboard.)
I think its clear from this photo and the clip of Aubrey Huff that hitters don’t appreciate pitchers acting rediculous when they are essentially doing what they are supposed to do. If a batter has a success rate (defined as getting on base) of 40% he is an all star. Therefore, the odds are already overwhelmingly in the pitcher’s favor. As someone on DT said, these guys are doing the baseball equivalent of the sack dance, and they are shocked (shocked!) that certain hitters don’t appreciate that.
I remember last summer during interleague play, Lackey pitched a gem for the Angels against the Dodgers. He went 8.2 of 1 run ball or something like that. In the ninth, he got two outs and then allowed a baserunner so the Angels brought in their “closer” Rodriguez. Rodriguez proceeds to walk the bases loaded, before finally getting the final out. Naturally Rodriguez danced around like he’d just won “who want’s to be a millionaire.” And people are suprised that hitters don’t particularly appreciate this type of behavior.
You're not "allowed" to "show up" another pitcher
but if you strike out swinging Eck’s allowed to shoot you, Joba’s allowed to do his dumb fist pump thing, etc., etc.
by Seanny Rotten on May 12, 2009 9:03 AM PDT up reply actions
Kirk Gibson solved Eck's fist pumping disorder real quick-like
Game 1, 1988 World Series, Dodgers Stadium…There would be no fist pumping in Los Angeles that evening. Don’t come to Dodger Stadium and think you’re going to celebrate anything. Kirk Gibson gave Eck a double fist pump of his own rounding the bases.
Casey Blakes Stock Went Straight Up on This
This incident has made me appreciate Casey’s character and willingness to state the obvious. I feel like he is a real Dodger now and not just a hired gun. Welcome to the club man!
You mean Blake is a true Dodger now?
I wonder when Alex Rodriguez will finally become a true Yankee
by Michael White on May 12, 2009 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Depends What "True" Means
He wasn’t a fake or a false Dodger. Just a guy with a beard who could hit.
Arod was a “true” yankee the second he became the highest ballplayer in the history of mankind.
by Dodger Dude on May 12, 2009 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Sorry, I was just making an (apparently lame) joke. I used to live in New York and the media and fans were obsessed with the idea of “true Yankees.” They spent hours discussing whether Alex Rodriguez earned his pinstripes (I’m not even joking, this was conversation at least once a week.) After all is said and done, Rodriguez will apparently never be considered a true Yankee—- that crown is reserved for the likes of Rivera, Jeter and of course Scott Broscius.
by Michael White on May 12, 2009 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions
So funny
Because it’s so true. I feel the same way as Dodger Dude though, this just makes me appreciate Casey Blake more.
by Brendan Scolari on May 12, 2009 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions
oh dude
go check out firejoemorgan.com and they make about a dozen references to being a True Yankee.
DiMaggio, Tino Martinez, Paul O’Neill are all true Yankees. ARod, Joba, Kevin Brown, Giambi are not true Yankees because they haven’t won a world series.
by Seanny Rotten on May 12, 2009 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions
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NL West Standings
| W | L | PCT | GB | STRK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
San Diego
|
76 | 59 | .562 | 0 | Lost 10 |
|
San Francisco
|
76 | 61 | .554 | 1 | Won 2 |
|
Colorado
|
72 | 64 | .529 | 4.5 | Won 3 |
|
Los Angeles
|
69 | 68 | .503 | 8 | Lost 2 |
|
Arizona
|
56 | 81 | .408 | 21 | Lost 2 |
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