In Cain We Trust

Well, the Giants did it, they signed Matt Cain to an extensions before the start of the 2012 season for a record $112.5 million over 5 years. Including this year, expect to see the Cainer through the 2017 season, and perhaps beyond - there's an option for 2018.

What does this all mean? The Giants need to push all the buttons to win another World Series within the next two years, because after that there is no guarantee that Tim Lincecum is gonna stick around after his two-year contract expires. Plus, will the Giants even venture into having 2 pitchers making over $22.5 million each? It's tough to tell, but we shouldn't assume it's going to happen.

Nevertheless, rejoice, the Cainer is a Giant for 2012 and beyond!

Matt Cain

2012 Fearless Predictions

In no particular order …

• Brett Pill will become the regular first baseman, and will burst on the scene with 30 home runs, and 90 RBI by season's end
• Aubrey Huff will be relegated to the bench, and eventually released by the club
• Matt Cain gets traded for a big bat (UPDATE: WELL, THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN. GLAD TO BE WRONG ON THIS ONE)
• Freddy Sanchez will announce his retirement after his shoulder or other limb relegates him to surgery or extended DL
• Pablo Sandoval will emerge as an elite third baseman and will be listed as a potential MVP and Gold Glove candidate
• Melky Cabrera will continue from his 2011 season, and have another strong year, and will most likely sign elsewhere once the season ends
• Nate Schierholtz will fade into obscurity and will be mentioned in the same sentence as Todd Linden, Dante Powell, Dan Orteimer, et al … guys that could never cement themselves in the Bigs
• Tim Lincecum will lead the league in wins, strikeouts and win his third Cy Young award
• Madison Bumgarner will emerge as the "second ace" of the team and compile 20 wins
• Ryan Vogelsong will repeat his 2011 year, with a steady and consistent performance
• Barry Zito will remain with the club despite his roller coaster performance
• Emmanuel Burris will be tagged as the second coming of Robby Thompson
• Brandon Crawford will provide steady defense and just enough offense
• Brian Wilson shaves his beard
• Sergio Romo shaves his beard too
• At least six Marlins will be beaned when Buster Posey is behind the plate catching
• The Giants return to the Fall Classic, and The City will have another parade down Market Street.

San Francisco Seals & San Francisco Missions

We here at the Sons of Johnnie LeMaster normally do not publicize any retail outlets, but in this case we are going to make an exception since they're having a 20% sale (use promo code SPRING12) on all merchandise.

While it's cool to sport the latest Lincecum shirt or jersey, or wear a new fashionable SF ballcap. There was a time when team apparel was simple and classic. Even here in San Francisco, there were great baseball teams that knew what it meant to have a great looking uniform - before the Giants ever moved here from New York.

One such company in Seattle called Ebbets Field Flannels have made replica throwback uniforms for the present day fan, and they have a huge collection of jerseys, caps, and jackets of the San Francisco Seals, San Francisco Missions, and even the Oakland Oaks. In fact, if you conduct a search on their site, they probably have a throwback jersey in the town you grew up in.

We can personally validate that their items are first-rate, they don't skimp on the quality of the fabric or craftmanship. Still don't believe us, check for yourselves ... and when you see that Seals Stadium groundscrew jacket - one of us will be wearing it at AT&T Park in a few weeks!

So if you're looking for something new for the 2012 season, why not "kick it old school" and represent one of the old SF teams.

Ebbets Field Flannels

1921 San Francisco Seals Road Jersey

1930 San Francisco Missions Home Jersey

2012 SF Giants Broadcast Schedule

Listed below if the full broadcast schedule for the Giants for the 2012 season. April
Sunday, April 1	@Milwaukee	1:05 PM		KNBR 680
Monday, April 2	vs. Oakland	7:35 PM	MLBN (delay), MLB.TV	KNBR 680
Tuesday, April 3	@Oakland	7:35 PM	MLB.TV	KNBR 680
Wednesday, April 4	vs. Oakland	12:45 PM		KNBR 680
Friday, April 6	@Arizona	4:10 PM	CSN-BA HD, ESPN2	KNBR 680
Saturday, April 7	@Arizona	1:05 PM	FOX	KNBR 680
Sunday, April 8	@Arizona	1:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Monday, April 9	@Colorado	1:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Wednesday, April 11	@Colorado	5:40 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Thursday, April 12	@Colorado	12:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Friday, April 13	vs. Pittsburgh	1:35 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Saturday, April 14	vs. Pittsburgh	6:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Sunday, April 15	vs. Pittsburgh	1:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Monday, April 16	vs. Philadelphia	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Tuesday, April 17	vs. Philadelphia	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Wednesday, April 18	vs. Philadelphia	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Friday, April 20	@NY Mets	4:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Saturday, April 21	@NY Mets	10:10 AM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Sunday, April 22	@NY Mets	10:10 AM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Monday, April 23	@NY Mets	4:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Tuesday, April 24	@Cincinnati	4:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Wednesday, April 25	@Cincinnati	4:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Thursday, April 26	@Cincinnati	9:35 AM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Friday, April 27	vs. San Diego	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Saturday, April 28	vs. San Diego	6:05 PM	NBC Bay Area	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Sunday, April 29	vs. San Diego	1:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
May
Tuesday, May 1	vs. Miami	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Wednesday, May 2	vs. Miami	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Thursday, May 3	vs. Miami	12:45 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Friday, May 4	vs. Milwaukee	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Saturday, May 5	vs. Milwaukee	1:05 PM	FOX	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Sunday, May 6	vs. Milwaukee	1:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Monday, May 7	@LA Dodgers	7:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Tuesday, May 8	@LA Dodgers	7:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Wednesday, May 9	@LA Dodgers	7:10 PM	NBC Bay Area	KNBR 680
Friday, May 11	@Arizona	6:40 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Saturday, May 12	@Arizona	5:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Sunday, May 13	@Arizona	1:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Monday, May 14	@St. Louis	6:05 PM	ESPN
Monday, May 14	vs. Colorado	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Tuesday, May 15	vs. Colorado	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Wednesday, May 16	vs. St. Louis	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Thursday, May 17	vs. St. Louis	12:45 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Friday, May 18	vs. Oakland	7:15 PM	NBC Bay Area	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Saturday, May 19	vs. Oakland	1:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Sunday, May 20	vs. Oakland	1:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Monday, May 21	@Milwaukee	5:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Tuesday, May 22	@Milwaukee	5:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Wednesday, May 23	@Milwaukee	10:10 AM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Thursday, May 24	@Miami	4:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Friday, May 25	@Miami	4:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Saturday, May 26	@Miami	1:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Sunday, May 27	@Miami	10:10 AM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Monday, May 28	vs. Arizona	2:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Tuesday, May 29	vs. Arizona	7:15 PM	NBC Bay Area	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Wednesday, May 30	vs. Arizona	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
June
Friday, June 1	vs. Chi Cubs	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Saturday, June 2	vs. Chi Cubs	4:15 PM	FOX	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Sunday, June 3	vs. Chi Cubs	1:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Monday, June 4	vs. Chi Cubs	12:45 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Tuesday, June 5	@San Diego	7:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Wednesday, June 6	@San Diego	3:35 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Thursday, June 7	@San Diego	12:35 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Friday, June 8	vs. Texas	7:15 PM	NBC Bay Area	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Saturday, June 9	vs. Texas	1:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Sunday, June 10	vs. Texas	1:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Tuesday, June 12	vs. Houston	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Wednesday, June 13	vs. Houston	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Thursday, June 14	vs. Houston	12:45 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Friday, June 15	@Seattle	7:10 PM	NBC Bay Area	KNBR 680
Saturday, June 16	@Seattle	7:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Sunday, June 17	@Seattle	1:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Monday, June 18	@LA Angels	7:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Tuesday, June 19	@LA Angels	7:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Wednesday, June 20	@LA Angels	7:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Friday, June 22	@Oakland	7:05 PM	NBC Bay Area	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Saturday, June 23	@Oakland	4:15 PM	FOX	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Sunday, June 24	@Oakland	1:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Monday, June 25	vs. LA Dodgers	7:15 PM	NBC Bay Area	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Monday, June 25	@Miami	6:10 PM	ESPN2
Tuesday, June 26	vs. LA Dodgers	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Wednesday, June 27	vs. LA Dodgers	12:45 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Thursday, June 28	vs. Cincinnati	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Friday, June 29	vs. Cincinnati	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Saturday, June 30	vs. Cincinnati	1:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
July
Sunday, July 1	vs. Cincinnati	1:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Tuesday, July 3	@Washington	3:35 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Wednesday, July 4	@Washington	8:05 AM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Thursday, July 5	@Washington	4:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Friday, July 6	@Pittsburgh	4:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Saturday, July 7	@Pittsburgh	1:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Sunday, July 8	@Pittsburgh	10:35 AM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Friday, July 13	vs. Houston	7:15 PM	NBC Bay Area	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Saturday, July 14	vs. Houston	6:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Sunday, July 15	vs. Houston	1:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Tuesday, July 17	@Atlanta	4:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Wednesday, July 18	@Atlanta	4:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Thursday, July 19	@Atlanta	9:10 AM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Friday, July 20	@Philadelphia	4:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Saturday, July 21	@Philadelphia	1:05 PM	FOX	KNBR 680
Sunday, July 22	@Philadelphia	10:35 AM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Monday, July 23	vs. San Diego	7:15 PM	NBC Bay Area	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Tuesday, July 24	vs. San Diego	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Wednesday, July 25	vs. San Diego	12:45 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Friday, July 27	vs. LA Dodgers	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Saturday, July 28	vs. LA Dodgers	6:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Sunday, July 29	vs. LA Dodgers	1:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Monday, July 30	vs. NY Mets	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Tuesday, July 31	vs. NY Mets	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
August
Wednesday, August 1	vs. NY Mets	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Thursday, August 2	vs. NY Mets	12:45 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Friday, August 3	@Colorado	5:40 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Saturday, August 4	@Colorado	5:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Sunday, August 5	@Colorado	12:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Monday, August 6	@St. Louis	5:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Tuesday, August 7	@St. Louis	5:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Wednesday, August 8	@St. Louis	5:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Thursday, August 9	@St. Louis	10:45 AM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Friday, August 10	vs. Colorado	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Saturday, August 11	vs. Colorado	1:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Sunday, August 12	vs. Colorado	1:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Monday, August 13	vs. Washington	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Tuesday, August 14	vs. Washington	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Wednesday, August 15	vs. Washington	12:45 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Friday, August 17	@San Diego	7:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Saturday, August 18	@San Diego	1:05 PM	FOX	KNBR 680
Sunday, August 19	@San Diego	1:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Monday, August 20	@LA Dodgers	7:10 PM	CSN-BA HD, ESPN2	KNBR 680
Tuesday, August 21	@LA Dodgers	7:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Wednesday, August 22	@LA Dodgers	7:10 PM	NBC Bay Area	KNBR 680
Thursday, August 23	vs. Atlanta	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Friday, August 24	vs. Atlanta	7:15 PM	NBC Bay Area	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Saturday, August 25	vs. Atlanta	1:05 PM	FOX	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Sunday, August 26	vs. Atlanta	1:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Tuesday, August 28	@Houston	5:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Wednesday, August 29	@Houston	5:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Thursday, August 30	@Houston	5:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Friday, August 31	@Chi Cubs	11:20 AM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
September
Saturday, September 1	@Chi Cubs	1:05 PM	FOX	KNBR 680
Sunday, September 2	@Chi Cubs	11:20 AM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Monday, September 3	vs. Arizona	1:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Tuesday, September 4	vs. Arizona	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Wednesday, September 5	vs. Arizona	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Friday, September 7	vs. LA Dodgers	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Saturday, September 8	vs. LA Dodgers	1:05 PM	FOX	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Sunday, September 9	vs. LA Dodgers	1:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Monday, September 10	@Colorado	5:40 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Tuesday, September 11	@Colorado	5:40 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Wednesday, September 12	@Colorado	5:40 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Friday, September 14	@Arizona	6:40 PM	NBC Bay Area	KNBR 680
Saturday, September 15	@Arizona	5:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Sunday, September 16	@Arizona	1:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Monday, September 17	vs. Colorado	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Tuesday, September 18	vs. Colorado	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Wednesday, September 19	vs. Colorado	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Thursday, September 20	vs. Colorado	12:45 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Friday, September 21	vs. San Diego	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Saturday, September 22	vs. San Diego	6:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Sunday, September 23	vs. San Diego	1:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Tuesday, September 25	vs. Arizona	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Wednesday, September 26	vs. Arizona	7:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680, KTRB 860 (Sp.)
Thursday, September 27	vs. Arizona	12:45 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Friday, September 28	@San Diego	7:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Saturday, September 29	@San Diego	5:35 PM	NBC Bay Area	KNBR 680
Sunday, September 30	@San Diego	1:05 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
October
Monday, October 1	@LA Dodgers	7:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Tuesday, October 2	@LA Dodgers	7:10 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680
Wednesday, October 3	@LA Dodgers	4:15 PM	CSN-BA HD	KNBR 680

Brian Wilson and Sergio Romo Are Listed in GQ's April Issue

In the April issue of GQ Magazine, Brian Wilson and Sergio Romo occupied two of the top three beards in their "Bullpen Beard-Off" in the Baseball preview section. The magazine had noted whiskers, Jack Passiona and Miletus Callahan-Barile from IFC's Whisker Wars rate the beards of the top three bullpen beards in the Bigs. The other candidate was John Axford from the Milwaukee Brewers. Wilson ended up taking the crown, but you can read about their critiques in the photo listed below.

GQ Magazine, April 2012, p. 92

SF Giants to Appear at Autograph Show

Current SF Giants, Javier Lopez and Sergio Romo are scheduled to appear at the 16th Annual TRISTAR San Francisco Collectors Show on Saturday, April 14, at the Cow Palace. Also appearing are former SF Giants, Steve Carlton, Will Clark, and Frank Robinson - also on April 14. The show commences on Friday, April 13 and concludes on Sunday, April 14 - this is the same weekend as the Giants home opener.

Other sports luminaries, both past and present, are also scheduled to appear: Johnny Bench, Reggie Jackson, Pete Rose, Dwight Clark, Alex Smith, Patrick Willis, et al. TRISTAR has indicated that more players will be listed soon. At the moment, ticket prices to the show or for the autographs have not been released.

Considering that Lopez and Romo are easily accessible for autographs at the ballpark, we don't see why anyone would pay for an autograph from those guys. Some of the former players might be worthwhile to  consider.

2012 Sons of Johnnie LeMaster Shirts Have Arrived!

The crack of the bat, the pop of the glove, the smell of cut grass, and new shirts from the Sons of Johnnie LeMaster. If that doesn't define baseball, we don't know what does! After months of trying to determine what our 2012 shirts should look like, we finalized our design several weeks ago, and yesterday they arrived from our vendor.

The front of our shirt is unchanged from last year, but the back of the shirt is where the real changes are. First, we replaced LeMaster and inserted BOO to the nameplate area of the shirt, this was chosen to honor the 1979 game vs. Montreal in which Johnnie wore the "BOO" jersey. Second, we used a different font for the numbers. Third, we incorporated a Gary Carter memorial design to the sleeve (on the men's shirts), and on the left chest (on the women's shirts).

Less than 50 of these shirts were printed and are being distributed (for free) to those that embody the diehard spirit of a San Francisco Giants fan. Unfortnately, none of our shirts are for sale ... we are not looking to profit from our shirts, we're just looking to share our passion with like-minded diehard Giants fans - plain and simple.

For those of you that have or are about to receive one ... wear it with pride!

The few, the proud, the Sons of Johnnie LeMaster ... see you at the yard in 2012!

Front (men's)

Back (men's)

Left Sleeve (men's)

Front (women's)

Back (women's)

New Restaurant/Entertainment Option Opening Up Near AT&T Park

Well, it's official ... the old Border's bookstore location on the corner of 3rd and King streets will open up as Lucky Strike Lanes bowling alley on March 9. Unlike your old school bowling facility, Lucky Strike is bit more pimped out and features a full-service bar.

We imagine that this will be a hit for pre and post game festivities once the season starts.

Lucky Strike Lanes

Our Projected SF Giants Opening Day Lineup

So here it goes, before the first intersquad game even takes place, we're gonna guess the opening day lineup ...

1. Pagan (LF)
2. Sanchez (2B)
3. Cabrera (CF)
4. Posey (C)
5. Sandoval (3B)
6. Belt (1B)
7. Schierholtz (RF)
8. Crawford (SS)
9. Lincecum (P)

We're thinking Belt has to be in the lineup, even if you have a washup making $10 million this year sitting on the bench. The key to this lineup is Freddy's health, if he's not 100%, then the lineup is influx.

Rest In Peace - Gary Carter

Another sad day for baseball ... former SF Giants, Gary Carter, lost his battle with brain cancer today. Last year we wrote a blog post about our encounter with Gary during the 1990 season. Read it, if you haven't already done so.

One thing is for sure, The Kid's spirit will live on. RIP Gary.

Gary Carter 1954-2012

FOX Sports Schedules SF Giants Nine Times in 2012

FOX Sports released their MLB on FOX 2012 schedule today, and the Giants are scheduled to appear on nine broadcasts for the upcoming season. In fact, the Giants join the Red Sox, Cubs, and Yankees with the most amount of appearances on FOX for the upcoming season.

Listed below are the nine Giants games that will be televised on FOX Sports.

April 7, 2012 (3:30 PM ET)

San Francisco Giants at Arizona Diamondbacks

May 5, 2012 (3:30 PM ET)

Milwaukee Brewers at San Francisco Giants

June 2, 2012 (7:00 PM ET)

Chicago Cubs at San Francisco Giants

June 23, 2012 (7:00 PM ET)

San Francisco Giants at Oakland Athletics

July 21, 2012 (3:30 PM ET)

San Francisco Giants at Philadelphia Phillies

August 18, 2012 (3:30 PM ET)

San Francisco Giants at San Diego Padres

August 25, 2012 (3:30 PM ET)

Atlanta Braves at San Francisco Giants

September 1, 2012 (3:30 PM ET)

San Francisco Giants at Chicago Cubs

September 8, 2012 (3:30 PM ET)

Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants

Tim Lincecum Bobblehead Beer Tap Handle!

This tidbit comes to us from the Sons of Johnnie LeMaster Insider, @hankola, who has notified us that a gastropub in Long Beach called Beachwood Brewing & BBQ has turned a 2011 Tim Lincecum bobblehead stadium giveaway into a beer tap handle. As it turns out, the establishment has typically accepted various trophies from patrons and then transforms them into beer tap handles. This might be the first bobblehead beer tap handle ever made or seen.

From what we understand, the bobblehead was donated to the gastropub with the idea they would transform it to a beer handle. The beer currently being served by Tim Lincecum, is a Ballast Point Sculpin IPA, sounds good to us.

Maybe some San Francisco bars will get creative too, and start getting rid of those boring tap handles, and have some bobblehead beer handles with some of our favorite Giants!

ESPN Sunday Night Baseball 2012 Schedule

After appearing on three ESPN Sunday Night Baseball telecasts in 2011, the SF Giants are scheduled for zero appearances in the first half of the 2012 schedule that was recently released. I guess missing the postseason does that to a club. Anyways, good riddance, those Sunday night games at AT&T Park screwed with our weekend routine and travel plans. The 2012 schedule below is listed through July 22, but it should be noted that ESPN will make selections three weeks in advance for the games in June and July 29; and two weeks in advance for games in August and September.

April 8	ChiSox at Rangers
April 15	Angels at Yankees
April 22	Yankees at Red Sox
April 29	Rays at Rangers
May 6	Phillies at Nationals
May 13	Angels at Rangers
May 20	Cardinals at Dodgers
May 27	Nationals at Braves
June 3-July 1	TBD
July 8	Yankees at Red Sox
July 15	Cardinals at Reds
July 22-Sept. 23

ESPN Sunday Night Baseball at AT&T Park

Reds v. Giants, June 12, 2011

Modest Physical Changes to AT&T Park

The SF Giants communications department commented earlier in the week that some changes are being implemented to the physical layout of AT&T Park. According to the Giants, the promenade level near the left field corner is being widened to help with the ingress and egress of game day crowds, and to provide for better sight lines to the field. In addition, the bridge from the left field corner to the bleachers is being expanded. If you've ever sat in the bleachers and taken the bridge to go to your seats, you know how jam packed the bridge can become. So kudos to the Giants on making these changes.

AT&T Park

2012 SF Road and Alternate Jerseys Revealed

Late last year, it was announced that the SF Giants would have an alternate road jersey. In the announcement, it was noted that the alternate jersey would resemble and take some fashion cues from the road jersey worn by the club in the late 80's, with the classic interlocking SF in block letters.

Well, we now know what that jersey will look like (see below). MLB has posted that jersey for sale on their website, and if you browse around the website, you'll also notice that they made a slight change to the existing road jersey. That slight change include black piping down the center of the jersey and around the collar. Recent road jerseys had San Francisco spelled out sans the black piping - again, a nod to the 80s which also had the piping.

So, what do you think? Do you like or dislike?

SF Giants 2012 Alternate Road Jersey

2012 SF Giants Road Jersey

Pat Burrell Retires ... His Top 5 Moments as a San Francisco Giants

As reported earlier today by mlbtraderumors.com, Pat Burrell, announced his retirement from Major League Baseball after 12 seasons as a Big Leaguer. The Bay Area native, was the first overall pick in the 1998 Amateur Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies, where he would end up playing nine years. Pat the Bat, earned most of his career success while playing for the Fightin's, and helped the Phils win a World Championship in 2008. In 2009, he signed a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, but his tenure there was short lived and was eventually released in early 2010. On May 29, 2010, the Giants were desperate for some offense and signed Burrell. On June 5 vs the Pittsburgh Pirates, Burrell made his first start as a Giant after completing a successful stint with AAA Fresno.

Burrell would go on to mash 18 home runs, 51 RBI, and a .266 batting average, and would help lead the Giants to their first World Championship in San Francisco. Later in that offseason, Burrell would sign a one-year deal with San Francisco to return in 2011, but a chronic foot injury limited his play on the field, and after the first few months, his availability was limited.

Even though his career with San Francisco was brief, his impact to the club will never be forgotten. He helped bring what so many players previous to his time could not ... a World Championship to San Francisco.

And with that, we proudly list Pat's 5 Greatest Moments as a member of the San Francisco Giants.

#5 April 18, 2010: Hits game winning 3-run HR vs. Colorado
#4 Oct. 16, 2010: Hits 3-run HR in Game 2 of the National League Divisional Series vs. Atlanta
#3 Aug. 13, 2010: Hits a grand slam vs Chicago
#2 Aug. 17, 2010: In his first return trip as an opponent to Philadelphia, he hits a home run in first at-bat
#1 July 31, 2010: With the Giants trailing 0-1 in the bottom of the 8th inning against arch-rival, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Burrell hits a 2-run HR to help lead the Giants to a 2-1 win.

Post Game interview after July 31, 2010 game

Grand Slam Hit vs. Cubs on Aug. 11, 2010

Most Sought After Home Game Tickets

So yesterday the SF Giants conducted their presale for opening day (and week) game tickets for season ticket holders. As usual, they implemented a two ticket maximum purchase or combination there of. However, an interesting twist to the presale was the inclusion of the May 20 game versus the Oakland A's. Apparently, the Brian Wilson gnome giveaway has created a lot of demand for tickets. So much so, that the Giants included that game to the presale. Now keep in mind that only the first 20,000 fans will receive the gnome, so buying a ticket will not guarantee you a giveaway.

Brian Wilson gnome

Merry Christmas Giants Fans!

This Christmas I want the lonely to find company; sick to gain health; sad to find levity; unemployed to find work; broken-hearted to endure; and a World Championship for the Giants in 2012.

It's Bowl Season ... Some Giants Will Be Watching Closely

A number of the Giants will have a vested interest in this year's college bowl season. The list below represents those players whose alma mater is bowlin'!

2011 Bowl Season
Brandon Belt (Texas in the Holiday Bowl)
Brandon Crawford (UCLA in the Fight Hunger Bowl)
Mike Fontentot & Brian Wilson (LSU in the BCS Championship Game)
Tim Lincecum (Washington in the Alamo Bowl)
Javier Lopez (Virginia in the Chick-fil-A Bowl)
Buster Posey (Florida State in the Champs Sports Bowl)
Eric Surkamp (NC State in the Belk Bowl)
Steve Edlefsen (Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl)

Pagan Joins Club in 3-Player Trade

The New York Mets and the SF Giants hooked up for another trade this evening, with the Giants obtaining Angel Pagan in exchange for 2010 Willie Mac Award Winner, Andres Torres and Ramon Ramirez.

Torres' struggles in 2011 is well documented, but in Pagan, the club will receive an outfielder that is three years younger than Torres and can hit for a higher average and steal more bases.

We here at the Sons of Johnnie LeMaster don't mind this trade, in fact, we view it as a slight improvement. The club still needs more offense, but the club is better now than it was at the start of the day.

Addendum: Pagan's career batting average vs. the NL West is .275. His career splits against the NL West teams are as follows: .349 vs. Arizona; .252 vs. Colorado; .304 vs. Los Angeles; .203 vs. San Diego.

Angel Pagan - the newest Giant