I come here not to bury Caesar

...but to praise him.

Who would have thought that it would come down to September 30th? Coming into this season, did you think we'd be so close that it would come down to four games from the wild card? I didn't, and that's why I was so surprised and, honestly, pleased with this year.

Remember how we battled for .500 in April and May? And the fact that the wild card race was run up until today? There's been a lot of strides made for a not-very-powerful offensive team.

Some of my highlights of the season:

- The No Hitter
- 300
- Schierholtz' in-the-park home run
- Pablo's walk-off against the Natinals, and the Rise of the Panda in general
- The mohawks sported by Wilson, Uribe, and Romo
- Matt Cain getting some freaking run support and recognition
- The addition of BadAss Penny to our rotation. What can I say, I like the guy. Dodger-haters are always welcome on my team.

I'm proud of my boys. I came into this season thinking I was going to get my heart broken in September. I'm not -- I'm hopeful.

After this last week of games, we'll likely be saying goodbye to a lot of guys who've been on this team for the past few years: Rich Aurilia, Randy Winn, and Bengie Molina. Randy Johnson's only been here this year, and I think it's safe to say that Jack and I saw his last major league start on July 5th. Freddie Sanchez has burned the bridge of good will I had for him, so obviously we're going to keep him and I'm just going to resent him.

What were your highlights of the year? What're you looking forward to for next season?

And hey, technically we've still got four more games -- there's still some good baseball to be played.

Last Night

Last Night, I had my favorite Giant's moment of my life. Last night the most unlikely thing happened. No one saw this coming. Nobody would have believed you if you predicted it. The oddsmakers in Vegas probably would have staked it at 500,000 to 1. Last Night. Jonathan Sanchez, at 2-8 with an +5.00 ERA, and a WHIP Near 2.0 Threw the Greatest Game by a Giant in over 33 years. Say it with me, Jonathan Sanchez threw a no-hitter. It defies logic to just read that sentence out loud.

Last night Sanchez was the king of baseball, he had crisp control of his pitches, he was making batters look like absolute fools (one batter struck out swinging on a pitch that hit him in the foot for Christs sakes) He wasn't his usual mental case meltdown self. The defense had his back. He was cool, confident, and the man. He came one bad hop away from being just the 16th man in all of Major history to record a perfect game, somehow though I think he's ok with the n0,no.

Last night will always be special to me. I am so thrilled I got to witness history. My baseball bucket list has one less item on it. Thank you Sanchez, I know you and I have had out ups and downs, but last night was epic.

Talk about a positive day!

That Kaiser Permanente lady says my heart beats 2.5 million times in my life.

They’re all for Timmy.

23 innings not a single run allowed.

No runner allowed past second base for the last 13 innings.

We have outscored the Astro's 22-0 in this series... and we have a game left to play

We are now 8 games over .500 at the halfway point. My friends I have to say we are a healthy ballclub.

Oh yea and one more thing... We have the second best record in the National League!

Get your brooms out.

Wow, this is the second Sunday in a row We get to celebrate Broom Day. Even with the 3 game sweep at the hands of the Angel's we took this homestand 6-3. Even with the sweep we are 12-7 in our last 19. Im starting to think that the way this team is playing is no fluke. Some random notes from this homestand:

Pablo Sandoval is getting patient, and oh dear lord it shows. Pablo is batting .338 That is good for SECOND in the NL. This kid is TWENTY-TWO. If he doesent make the All-star roster I will die of an anuerism.

I was personally impressed with the Way Downs played after being called up. He is only batting .250, but he's drawing a lot of walks. He has a .400 OBP. He has a vbery solid approach at the plate and He's patient. I am really intruged by him.

Zito, wow Who knew? I mean he walked the first two guys and then just shut it down. I am thrilled the boys picked him up today and earned the Win.

Brian Wilson is in serious lock-down mode all of a sudden. I am digging it. He has struggled all year coming into a game in a non save situation but man last night he owned the Rangers.. Could he be yet another Giant's all-star candidate?

If Matt Cain does not start The All-star game I call foul. He looked amazing last night. Well let's be honest he has looked amazing all year. You think sabes is talking trade now? I think not.

Speaking of all-stars, I cannot remember any other time in my life where the Giant's had so many Legitmate All-star Candidates. In my honest opinion I count six possibilities: Rowand, Molina, Panda, Lincecum, Cain, and Wilson. Agree? Disagree? comment.

Colorado has won 16 of 17, they are right behind us. What in the world is going on in Denver

Next up, we hit the road. We are in Oakland tomorrow. Sanchez (groan) get's the ball. I gotta believe he's down to his last chance. But that is just my opinion.

How to Win a series

How to win a series:

a) Have two of three of your starters pitch complete games

b) Only have to rely on your bullpen for 2 out of 27 innings

c) Make some Amazing Defensive plays... including two impressive throws to nail greedy runners

d) Bench Fred Lewis in lieu of Nate Schierholtz

e) Hot an inside the park home run as Nate Schierholtz

f) Execute an awesome drag bunt (to piss of the a's fans) and hit a monster shot to left field

g) Dominate the Opposing line-up with light's out pitching!

I am fired up after this series. We did everything right... We put the league on notice. Were not gonna hit a ton but dammit, were going to dominate with our pitching, beat you with our defense, and do everything we can to beat you.

Were now 6 games over .500

Were now in the lead for the wild card spot.

Our top two pitchers are DOMINATING and are early cy young favorites... The young guys are producing and grinding... It is a great time to be a fan! Next up is the angels! Bring em on!

Check Out These Bad Boys

sweeeeeeeet

Yes!

2 of 3 from the Cardinals! Big Gold star for the bullpen today! We are back to +500! That was a 6-1 homestand! Im feeling good about the upcoming roadtrip! *Glee*

Hell yeah, baby!

Walk-off three run homer! Little Panda's first of the year!

Everyone is so happy!

Edited 5/13: So here's the video of Pablo's walk-off.

Also, do we have a consensus on the use of "Panda"? Matt Cain has referred to him as Kung Fu Panda, the SF_Giants Twitter account has called him Big Panda, but I've also heard "Little Panda" (with "Big Panda" referring to Bengie, who is technically "Big Money").

Your Panda thoughts are welcomed.