Wednesday, April 30, 2003

 

While we drove home from last night's Giants' game, we listened to the postgame radio show. One of the guys asked what was more frustrating--getting no-hit, or losing a game after leaving 16 men on base. Everyone agreed the latter was far more frustrating, and I can't help but agree. Barry Bonds reached base four times, and Jose Cruz Jr. reached base five times. Neither one of them scored. The Giants never got that two-out clutch base hit, or that lucky error, that characterized their awesome 13-1 start.

Our seats were in section 145, row 6. The arcade is definitely a different way to watch a game. Because it's so high, you get a nice view of the pitcher and the hitter. On the other hand, you're over 400 feet away from home plate, and you can't see anything near the right-field wall. We missed a couple of exciting plays (at least, I think they were exciting, from the crowd reaction) by Jose Cruz Jr. On the other hand, we got an outstanding look at every ball hit to center and left field, including Moises Alou's home run in the 8th inning. More disadvantages to the arcade: it's the windiest spot in Pac Bell Park, you can't see the out-of-town scoreboard at all, and restrooms are all a good hike away. I think I'd rather have a seat in the upper deck behind home plate.

A few quick observations before my lunch break expires:

* The only breaking balls Kerry Wood had any trouble with, both hit Barry Bonds. Coincidence? Doubt it.

* Neifi Perez is a fraud. He can't hit, and it takes him an hour and a half to throw the ball. He'll field it, take two or three unncessary steps, and then rifle the ball over just in time. He might think that makes him look good, but he'd be much better served just throwing the ball when he got it, instead of waiting to make it look good.

* Kirk Reuter struck out three Cubs, thereby doubling his season total to six. He also walked four batters, bringing his total to 14.

Jefferson 1:04 PM

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