The GIANTS and The Cherry Tree

I spent Yesterday cutting back a tremendously overgrown cherry tree. I had two very effective tools. I had a hand axe and a set of trimming sheers. (designed for cutting small branches) I whacked away at this huge tree for an hour or two. Then I came upon a really stubborn limb.

It was too small for the axe, yet too big for the hand trimmers. For some reason I started thinking about the GIANTS roster issue and current losing streak.

It finally came to me that using the axe was futile. Just as going in and making whole sale changes would be on the GIANTS roster. I also realized that trying to take big bites with the hand sheers was painfully futile as well. Both methods ended in defeat.

I decided to relax and take simple small bites with the hand sheers. I cut through this one branch quite quickly with this approach. It wasn't necessary for any of the other branches except this one.

What does this have to do with the GIANTS?

At the end of June people were panicking and saying the GIANTS needed a left handed hitter. They NEEDED PRINCE FIELDER. Some were even saying TRADE POSEY AND BUMGARNER for FIELDER. (as if we didn't have enough overweight ball players in this organization) I call that drastic. (STUPID) Sort of like using the Axe.

At the same time screwing with the line up and making little tweaks here and there without a plan was simply aggravating the whole 25 man roster.

Then the Molina trade came. It was a small move, but many parts seem to be falling into place. Today the GIANTS played the regulars where they played during the previous winning streak and they played with more confidence. Letting Travis Ishikawa start at first base was brilliant. (see yesterday's article about "Ishikawa is too good to be sitting on the bench) With Molina gone the GIANTS could make steady progress just as I did on that stubborn branch. The key was to remain calm and utilize a plan. In the last two weeks it looked like Bochy was just trying to please 11 guys when only 8 could start. That turned all 11 into part time players with no regulars. It's OK to platoon your left fielder or your DH (in the AL) but in this game, you need consistency day in and day out to play championship baseball.

For two weeks, it was obvious that Bochy was panicking and without a plan. Yesterday Aubrey Huff said, "Sometimes you just got to say screw it and relax and try to have fun". There were plenty of smiles in Colorado today. Congratulations GIANTS on ending your 7 game losing streak.

BTW, HAPPY AND GLORIOUS INDEPENDENCE DAY AMERICA!