Welcome to the INSIDE CHINA BASIN Baseball Podcast
Updated 3 times a week on TheSportsVirus.com!
In advance of the final weekend of the Giants 2017 season, SF Chronicle Columnist John Shea joins us to talk about Matt Cain’s retirement announcement and the emotions that might take place when he takes the mound one final time on Saturday at AT&T Park. In Part 1 of a 2-part conversation, we also talk about whether or not it’s necessary for the Giants to make some drastic changes to the roster this upcoming off-season.
Shea told The Sports Virus about Matt Cain’s good attitude toward the end of his career: “…Cain was sent to the bullpen last September, he was sent to the bullpen two or three times this year. Each time he said fine, I’ll do what it takes. (Bruce) Bochy wants me to go, I’ll go. That’s pretty classy stuff that other pitchers might not do…It’s going to be an emotional day (on Saturday). It’s well deserved.”
We talked to Giants pitchers Matt Cain and Will Smith on Tuesday at AT&T Park.
The Sports Virus asked Cain how he can improve his consistency throughout an entire game:
… “The biggest thing is staying the same mode, same mindset as I had been in the beginning and earlier in the game or any situation. That’s what I’ve always benefitted from in the past is not getting too overwhelmed in any spot or any situation. Just worry about executing pitches and it’s going to happen.”
Smith tells The Sports Virus he is enjoying being in a Giants uniform:
… “It’s fun here. You come in, there’s a bunch of big name guys here. That’s nice to have on your team. I’m glad I’m finally a good guy here. I don’t have to face those three over there (points across the clubhouse) Belt, Panik and Crawford. They were giving me nightmares. I’m glad to be a good guy in white now.”
San Francisco Chronicle Columnist John Shea joined us for our on site podcast from Keeble and Shuchat Photography in Palo Alto in Part 1 of our conversation.
Shea talked to The Sports Virus about the Giants superb infield defense: “… You talk about gold glovers. The only one with one is (Brandon) Crawford, but there’s gonna be more. I put down the computer (on a) ground ball. It’s a must watch because they’re turning double plays, it’s so swift, it’s clean and the essence of defense and glove work. It’s beautiful to watch right now.”
Papa talked to The Sports Virus about the early woes for Jake Peavy and Matt Cain: “… the bottom line, they make a lot of money. You’re talking $33 million. They’re not going to eat that on Cinco de Mayo or Mays’ birthday. They may entertain it on Memorial Day, but even then there’s DLs, you can do things. They have enough of a track record. I think overall they’ll be fine, you’ve just got to give them a little more time.”
During the last home stand at AT&T Park in San Francisco we talked to Giants pitcher Jeff Samardzija and Senior Vice President and General Manager Bobby Evans.
Samardzija tells The Sports Virus about his “twist” delivery: … “you’ve got to use your whole body, your legs and your core. For me it’s just a way of generating a little bit more velocity with a little less exertion. It feels comfortable for me. As long as I’m nice and slow and calm in my lift and my turn and not ahead of myself it usually works out alright.”
Evans tells The Sports Virus about the chances of Tim Lincecum being back in a Giants uniform: … “We’ve kept an open door. For him, he’s got to really evaluate opportunities and situations out there that are afforded to him in terms of a role. He’s particularly interested in starting. For us, we really see it more in the bullpen. That said, we understand what his options will be and he’ll have to make a decision here soon I think.”
We continue our coverage in Scottsdale, Arizona chatting with two players who battled injuries last season, pitcher Matt Cain and catcher Andrew Susac.
Cain tells The Sports Virus his injuries: “…are going to benefit me in the long run. It’s not something you want to go through, but it’s a part of the game. It’s a hurdle you have to go through. It shows who you are as person.”
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