Pics, video, and articles of the SF Giants plane/banner

UPDATED: INCLUDING ARTICLES

The outcome of the game was lackluster, but Giants fans in attendance probably enjoyed the banner from @hankola before the game. In case you missed it, here are some photos and a video of the banner:

Courtesy of the Los Angeles Times

Courtesy of CSN Bay Area

Video of the banner from CSN Bay Area

KNBC News Report

San Jose Mercury News

Los Angeles Times

Yahoo! Sports

Huffington Post

Off the Bench - NBC Sports

EXCLUSIVE: @Hankola's Opening Day plane/banner message

The Sons of Johnnie LeMaster is pleased to have the exclusive right to announce @hankola's plane/banner message that will be flying around Dodger Stadium today starting at 3 p.m., and concluding at 4 p.m.

The goal of the message as stated by @hankola was two-fold. "First, I wanted to stick it to the Dodgers, so merely just saying World Champs and/or Beat LA didn't see enough. Second, I wanted them (Dodger fans) to know the message was coming from the San Francisco Giants fan base. (Regarding the message) It was tough to do when you're limited to 40 characters (including spaces)."

So, without further ado here's the message that will be on the banner ...

"DODGERS STILL SUCK~FROM SF CHAMPS FANS"

So, if you're at the ballpark today, take pictures and submit them to us and we'll post them.

Opening Day in LA

The beginning is near! Yes, Opening Day 2011 is less than two days away. For those of you making the trip down to LA ... here are some tips.

• Get there early, traffic and entrance to the parking lot are a major pain.
• Parking gates will open at 1 p.m. on Thursday, typically they open two hours before first pitch.
• Take a close look at your tickets, you have to enter at designated entrances.
• If you're in the Pavilion section, you're stuck there all day. Folks in the Pavilion do not have access to the rest of the park.
• Do not, do not eat a Dodger Dog, it's one of the worst things ever made!
• Tailgating is not allowed in the Dodgers parking lot, another reason why they suck. Boo to them!
• Stop by Philipe's for their world famous French Dip sandwiches. It's within driving distance of the ballpark and the food is excellent and much cheaper than the ballpark stuff.
• Once the ballgame is over hangout at the park for awhile, the traffic leaving the parking lots is insane.
• The team buses are just outside of centerfield, and Giants often sign autographs before boarding the buses. In addition, a lot of guys will get rides from friends so you can meet them when they walk out. So bring a pen and ball!
• Most importantly, look up to the skies at 3 p.m. @Hankola's plane/banner will be flying around the ballpark for an hour on Opening Day!

Seagulls at AT&T Park, an ongoing problem.

You've probably seen it first hand, if not, then you have certainly seen it on a televised Giants game - the invasion of seagulls. We're going on our eighth year of being a season ticket holders, and the problem has existed since day one. At around the 7th inning, you can see a few of the "scouts" hovering by the scoreboard and left field foul pole. Soon thereafter the rest of the flock soon arrives and flies around the ballpark waiting for the game to end to feast on leftover garlic fries, burgers, hot dogs, cha-cha bowls, et al.

While it may look cute to see some of the seagulls flying around, it has become a huge distraction and safety issue for fans paying good money to enjoy a game. The problem has not been addressed with the Giants, and for whatever reason they have continued on ignoring the issue.

Now, if we had our druthers, we would invite every card member of the NRA to come to the yard and take out those seagulls. But this is San Francisco, so we're sure a "Save the Seagulls" group exists and would have a tizzy-fit if such an extreme plan was put into place. So how do we solve the problem in a safe and humane way? Easy ... implement the sport of Kings into the equation - falconry. Falconry is a medieval sport where predators - usually Peregrine falcons or other raptors - are trained to go after live game, or in this case other birds. In the modern version of falconry, raptors don't kill other birds, but merely chases them away. Think of them as a bouncer of nightclub or bar - they dictate crowd control. The reason this works is because trained raptors is one of the most feared predators in the avian world. They are effective against all bird species except other raptors and turkey vultures.

Today, falconry is commonly used at a number of airports and military bases around the world to chase off birds from colliding with airplanes during takeoff and landings. Why can't the Giants hire a falconer to chase off the seagulls from AT&T Park? They could simply hire a falconer and have him and his raptor hangout outside of the ballpark and chase the seagulls away without anyone in the park seeing it.

This is probably the simplest and easiest solution to this problem ... do you think the Giants are listening? Probably not, but if they wanted to address the problem, we have the answer for them.

Seagull scouting the bleachers for some grub

All you can eat at AT&T Park - for the seagulls

Falconry at Toronto Airport

Falconry at JFK

Are you worthy?

The official Sons of Johnnie LeMaster tees have been ordered. Shirts are not for sale, but will be given to true die-hard Giants fans. Will you get one, are you worthy?

Lincecum and Posey rank among the Top 20

By now, I'm sure most of you have heard that Major League Baseball released figures on the most popular player jerseys sold. On the list, our very own Tim Lincecum and Buster Posey ranked #10 and #19 respectively. Check out the full listed noted below ...  does any name surprise you?

MLB Most Popular Jerseys

Based on Majestic 2010 sales figures

1. Derek Jeter, New York Yankees

2. Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins

3. Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies

4. Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies

5. *Cliff Lee, Philadelphia Phillies

6. Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals

7. Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers

8. Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox

9. Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees

10. Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants

11. Mark Teixeira, New York Yankees

12. Jason Heyward, Atlanta Braves

13. Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals

14. Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers

15. Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins

16. Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox

17. Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers

18. Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies

19. Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants

20. Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays

Breaking News: Exclusive

The Sons of Johnnie LeMaster is proud to announce that we have joined forces with @hankola to support his effort for hiring a plane/banner with a custom SF Giants message to fly over Dodger Stadium on March 31. The plane is scheduled to fly from 3-4 p.m. and will soar above the skies of Dodger Stadium.

As part of our arrangement, we also have the exclusive rights to announce the banner message on March 31. Stay tuned!

Special Opening Day caps to be worn

Apparently the Giants will be wearing a special Opening Day cap for the home opener on April 8. The plan is for the Giants to wear a black New Era fitted with a gold "SF" on their opening day to commemorate their 2010 World Championship. I was able to get a press photo of the cap (see below), and from what I understand the cap will only be worn that one time, then the club will go back to wearing the caps with the orange "SF".

The Worst Sports Fans in America

In the April issue of GQ magazine, they list the Top 15 worst fans in the States. So without further ado, here we go ...


15. Los Angeles Lakers (insufferable arrogance, bandwagoning) "Starfuckers"
14. University of Oregon Basketball (projectile launching, vicious taunting) "Hecklers from Hell"
13. University of Wisconsin Football (projectile launching, rampant drunkenness, vicious taunting) "Boozehounds"
12. Dallas Cowboys (insufferable arrogance and bandwagoning) "Deluded Trash-Talkers"
11. Montreal Canadians (vicious taunting, rioting) "Frostbitten Hooligans"
10. LSU Football (projectile launching, rampant drunkenness, vicious taunting) "Deep-Fried Lunatics"
9. New York Yankees (insufferable arrogance and bandwagoning) "Satan's Chosen Team"
8. Duke University Basketball (insufferable arrogance, vicious taunting) *NCAA Arrogance Champions, "Silver-Spoon Bullies"
7. Penn State Football (projectile launching, vicious taunting, physical assaults, rioting) "Urine Tossers"
6. Boston Red Sox (insufferable arrogance and bandwagoning) "Insufferable Hypocrites"
5. University of Maryland Basketball (rioting) "Night Terrors"
4. Oakland Raiders (physical assaults, rioting) "Criminals"
3. West Virginia University (projectile launching, vicious taunting, rampant drunkenness, rioting) "Mad Arsonists"
2. & 1. Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia Phillies (projectile launching, vicious taunting, rampant drunkenness, physical assaults) "The Meanest Fans in America"

Kinda surprised that the Dodgers weren't on this list.

Baseball is a business, just ask Tim Lincecum

Not breaking news, but if you've watched Tim Lincecum this spring, you've probably noticed a slight difference. And no, it's not the increasing use of his slider. As Mars Blackmon would say, "it's gotta be the shoes!"

Yup, looks like Timmy has changed his footwear supplier. For years, Timmy wore Reebok cleats and you might have noticed in years past that he would cut out the logo of his Giants undershirt because it had the Nike Swoosh logo. Well, it's look like Timmy and Reebok have parted ways because he's wearing Nike cleats this season. I first noticed this on the first televised spring training game, and saw that Timmy didn't cut out the Nike Swoosh logo from the collar of his undershirt.

It wouldn't surprise me at all, if Nike has some promo events lined up with Timmy at their Nike store near Union Square later this year.

Timmy sportin' the Reebok cleats during the World Series

Timmy rockin' the Nike cleats during spring training

Giants worst nightmare?

How about Buster Posey signing with another team when he's eligible for free agency? I know, it may be a long shot, but the photo below made me gasp. FYI ... it's a photo of Buster when he played for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox in the prestigious Cape Cod League as an amateur while attending Florida State.

Buster with the Y-D Red Sox, Cape Cod League

Remember when ...

the Giants played at Candlestick Park? I'm sure most of you remember when the Gmen played at the 'Stick, my first game was around 1978, and I remember always driving past the yard on 101 North whenever the family was heading into the city. I thought it was beautiful, even though most hated the sight of seeing it. Yes, the 'Stick certainly had flaws, too many to list actually, but I didn't care I still loved the 'Stick anyways. I even remember going to a night game vs. the Montreal Expos where the announced crowd was about 5,000+.

Anyways, I came across some old photos of the 'Stick before and after it was built, and thought they were kinda cool looking. Check them out for yourselves.

Looking north on the 101

Future site of the 'Stick

'Stick when it had an open outfield

The 'Stick before ground breaking

The 'Stick

The 'Stick

The 'Stick before development

FREAK SEASON — MEET SF GIANTS PHOTOGRAPHER AND WRITER

Where/When: Books Inc. 1344 Park St, Alameda. Sunday, 3 p.m.  to 5 p.m.
Why Go: If you're a Giants fan, you won't want to miss this event. Photographer Deanne Fitzmaurice and writer Joan Ryan, both award winners, will talk about their experience documenting the San Francisco Giants' Tim Lincecum's huge winning season.

Lincecum - is it time for him to cut his hair?

Slow news day for the SF Giants, so I beg the question, is it time for Timmy to cut his hair? I'm thinking Timmy grew out his hair because so many folks thought he looked like a little kid, but to be honest, I think the long hair looks lame. Thoughts?

Timmy with short hair

Timmy with long hair

Timmy (left) with short hair

Timmy with long hair again

Timmy kinda reminds me of Shaggy

LA newspaper picking up on SF effort to fly banner planes

Some of you may not know this, but there is an effort by various SF Giants fans to boast our World Championship to our arch-rival on Opening Day in Los Angeles on March 31. I know of at least three different efforts being organized for the March 31 opener, and apparently the LA Times is running with this story too.


http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-0215-dodgers-giants-20110215,0,1754462.story


http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dodgers/2011/02/giants-fans-want-to-make-it-a-banner-day-over-dodger-stadium-on-opening-day.html

The Machine has officially been identified

Yeah, big secret huh? Well now we have some proof. The fine folks over at Barstool Sports NY, recently received some photos of Pat the Bat in full costume with some bikini clad chicks, and another photo of him posing with those same bikini clad chicks. Apparently the photo was taken at Barry Zito's casa up in Marin somewhere. I guess The Machine also likes to drink Pacifico beer, and have a few smokes too.

Also, doesn't Pat look like Ray Liotta from Goodfellas? Especially in this pic with those white retro (ball huggers) shorts and shades. I'm expecting to see a stash of cocaine on table in that backyard somewhere.

Disclaimer: notice the hot chicks in the pics. For you female fans that want Pat the Bat, that is the standard ... if you're not better looking than these chicks keep dreaming. As Brian Wilson would say, "fact!"

SF Giants 2011 Projections

With Spring Training just around the corner, it's time for the 2011 projections. The data below was furnished by CBS Sports, and I took the liberty to list the position players, starters, and bullpen. It should be no surprise that we'll have no uber sluggers on the team, but the forecast is for Posey to carry the offensive load and leading the team in runs batted in and batting average. It appears that Pablo will have minor bounce-back year, but still shy of his 2009 stats. The one surprise has to be Pat Burrell, not sure how he's going to achieve those numbers with limited starts and being pulled out of the game for defensive purposes.

The starting pitching looks pretty much like I envisioned, with Zito carrying the back end of the rotation, and the bullpen looks pretty solid.

Aubrey Huff: 23 HR, 80 RBI, .276 BA, .350 OBP
Freddy Sanchez: 9 HR, 54 RBI, .292 BA, .332 OBP
Pablo Sandoval: 19 HR, 78 RBI, .291 BA, 342 OBP
Miguel Tejada: 16 HR, 75 RBI, .283 BA, .310 OBP
Buster Posey: 24 HR, 87 RBI, .310 BA, .362 OBP
Andres Torres: 13 HR, 60 RBI, .267 BA, .334 OBP, 23 steals
Pat Burrell: 26 HR, 85 RBI, .237 BA, .333 OBP
Cody Ross: 22 HR, 82 RBI, .260 BA, .305 OBP
Mark DeRosa: 15 HR, 58 RBI, .261 BA, .337 OBP
Aaron Rowand: 13 HR, 56 RBI, .257 BA, .302 OBP
Nate Schierholtz: 3 HR, 17 RBI, .265 BA, .311 OBP
Travis Ishikawa: 5 HR, 25 RBI, .264 BA, .324 OBP
Mike Fontenot: 6 HR, 36 RBI, .268 BA, .333 OBP

Starters:
Tim Lincecum: 18-7, 249 K, 2.73 ERA, 1.16 WHIP
Matt Cain: 16-9, 178 K, 3.31 ERA, 1.17 WHIP
Jonathan Sanchez: 13-11, 211 K, 3.66 ERA, 1.28 WHIP
Madison Bumgarner: 13-9, 136 K, 3.59 ERA, 1.27 WHIP
Barry Zito: 9-12, 132 K, 4.35 ERA, 1.36 WHIP

Bullpen:
Brian Wilson: 71.0 inn, 4-4, 86 K, 45 Saves, 2.15 ERA, 1.17 WHIP
Ramon Ramirez: 70.1 inn, 4-3, 56 K, 2.82 ERA, 1.24 WHIP
Jeremy Affeldt: 63.2 inn, 2-2, 60 K, 2.97 ERA, 1.35 WHIP
Sergio Romo: 43.1 inn, 4-2, 48 K, 2.70 ERA, 0.97 WHIP
Guillermo Mota: 58.2 inn, 3-4, 42 K, 3.99 ERA, 1.29 WHIP
Santiago Casilla: 51.1 inn, 3-2, 45 K, 3.86 ERA, 1.52 WHIP
Javier Lopez: 43.0 inn, 2-1, 27 K, 2.93 ERA, 1.40 WHIP
Dan Runzler: 20.2 inn, 2-0, 24 K, 2.61 ERA, 1.45 WHIP

Do the SF Giants have a new division rival?

According to one skipper, the Giants have a new rivalry,  and it's with the Colorado Rockies. Call it World Series envy, but 2011 is going to make for a great year of division ball.

Jim Tracy - Colorado Rockies

2011 SF Giants contract obligations

Cots Baseball Contracts has recently updated their 2011-16 baseball contract obligation spreadsheet for the SF Giants. It's a fantastic overview on the obligations for not only this year, but what the team has going forward.

To dip or not to dip?

It was reported over the weekend that Washington Nationals standout, Stephen Strasburg, is going to quit using smokeless tobacco. Strasburg cited potential health problems and young kids looking up to him as factors on why he's decided to quit "dipping."

I applaud Strasburg for his decision, but I know how tough it's going to be for him, because I use to dip too. I dipped for nearly 5 years (during college), and quit cold turkey after pulling an all-nighter studying for a final - I had a dip in my mouth for about 6-7 hours straight! Yeah, the gums didn't look too good in the morning. Quitting was tough, I had dreams where I actually dipped and would wake up in the morning thinking why did I dip last night, and then remember it was a just a dream. Those dreams would happen periodically for the next 10-12 years - I'm not joking.

So having said all of this do you think any of the current Giants that dip, would consider kicking the habit too? What, you don't know of any dippers on the team!? Perhaps the most famous dipper on the club is also the youngest looking, Tim Lincecum. Tim doesn't dip when he's on the mound, but he will pack one when he's in the dugout. Other Giants that dip include: Sergio Romo, Dan Runzler, Pablo Sandoval, Aaron Rowand, Barry Zito, Pat Burrell, and Bruce Bochy.

These are grown men, and they can do what they want, but I quit dipping because the thought of getting cancer didn't sit well with me. Plus, it is a disgusting habit, and I still don't know of any girl that finds dipping attractive. Enough said!

What do you think? Should the guys quit dipping?

Timmy packing a dip during game 1 of the NLCS

Timmy packing a dip