I Like Flem (and Other Observations)

I don't know if anyone else has noticed but Dave Fleming of the Giants announcing team has had a breakthrough type of season. I have noticed that Flem (as his broadcast buddies have called him) has been making the effort to provide analysis and observations about players that would be interesting to fans who are unable to see the games and players themselves. Like tonight's game, where he discussed Cain's preference for high strikes and how the umpire was calling it tonight, so it was good for Cain. He also noted Cain's success since his one start mental break, his ERA being around mid-3's. He is growing into his job very nicely.

I like Dave Fleming from the start. I remember him announcing the major league debut of Jerome Williams that was obscured by Millwood's no-hitter of the Giants. He was obviously auditioning for Joe Angel's job (not from his attitude or anything, just the circumstances) but Joe was very professional and didn't let any discomfort show, unlike, say, Ralph Barbieri when Tom Tolbert was first paired with him (ironically, they seem to be like best buds now).

When Dave joined the Giants announcing team, he was refreshing because he just blended in with the group and was just himself. He didn't try hard to fit in, nor did he not fit in, he was just able to be himself while the rest of the announcers would be riffing all around him and going wild, in the fun way Jon, Kruk, Kuip and whoever else was there, would, particularly after a win. He wasn't just a flunkie, laughing because he felt he had to, nor mimicking Miller in an effort to fit in. I hope he's willing to be Lon Simmons, and pay his dues, to Jon Miller's Russ Hodges, I think he'll be a good one for a long time.

Steve Finley Being Showcased

I don't know how else to interpret it. Why else has Randy Winn been sitting so many games right after the All-Star break? He had played in almost every game of the season before the break, then got all that rest during the break, now he's been sat to let Finley play a number of times already (no count, but noticed it since he had been in the lineup almost every game) after the break. Plus Ellison was sent down, a player who would be "competing" with Finley for playing time, for Linden, who clearly would be relief for a corner OF position.

That could work in a number of ways for the Giants. First, trading Finley could save us his salary, if we just get a prospect back for him. Second, if we save his salary, then we could take on salary in another trade to get a 1B.

However, have no idea who might want a CF, no team comes to mind right now. Wouldn't it be ironic if we trade him back, though, to the Angels for, say, Kendry Morales, who has been playing 1B and been a highly successful minor leaguer, but has struggled in the majors after first doing well.

Shea Hillenbrand is a Giant

The Giants have traded for Shea Hillenbrand. No news on who was traded but one rumor had Accardo going to the Blue Jays for him. I hope not but I'm waiting impatiently for the news....

Addendum from KNBR: Shea Hillenbrand and Vinnie Chulk for Jeremy Accardo. Oy, I will have to digest this before saying something I might take back.