Andrew Baggarly
@andrewbaggarly
Senior writer covering the San Francisco Giants for The Athletic.
Mike Krukow's retirement is hitting nobody harder than his best friend and broadcast brother, Duane Kuiper. Sometimes humor is the best way to respond to difficult news, and Duane delivered:
Josuar Gonzalez and Luis Hernandez are wearing San Jose Churros uniforms for their first game with a full-season affiliate. (If Josuar hits a double, fans get a free cheeseburger.)
Going on a break through the next Giants road trip. Will probably spend most of the time thinking about this matchup.
Currently in a rain delay at Wrigley field. Has it really been 12 years? #onemanonerake x.com/extrabaggs/s...
The Giants chose Caleb Kilian over Michael Fulmer, Daniel Susac over Eric Haase, and Jared Oliva over Luis Matos.
Bryce Eldridge: “I spend my whole life wanting to get a picture with Bryce Harper, and when I finally do, my eyes are closed.”
Aaron Judge meets the only MLB hitter who’s taller than him, based on official ABS measurements. Judge is 6-7. Eldridge is 6-7 “and change.” 🤷♂️
Meeting restricted to Gold Glove catchers only (and Sergio Romo).
Just Logan Webb chatting with guys who have combined to win five Cy Young awards
Harrison Bader’s monster home run (114 EV) at Maryvale left some damage on the Cactus Bowls food truck.
When the Doordash includes an extra side of guacamole that you didn't pay for.
Tony Vitello shared his sentiments over the sudden loss of Wes Rucker, who obviously resonated a ton of positive energy in the Vols community.
The Giants finally announced Tony Vitello's coaching staff. Nothing here we didn't already know, other than the base coaches. Hector Borg started with the Giants on the lowest rung and he's made a great impression everywhere he's went. The Dino Ebel of the Giants system.
Logan Webb texted his thoughts on joining what's turning into an all-time great Team USA pitching staff for the WBC. The Giants are less enthused, as you know, but they couldn't exactly stand in the way. And it's a comfort to know longtime SF trainer Dave Groeschner will be the head trainer for USA.
Terrific insights from our four MVP voters on why they went Judge or Raleigh. There really isn't a "right" answer. I just wish two Judge voters had flipped to Cal so they could've finished as co-MVPs. That would have been the most satisfying outcome, imo! www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Drew Gilbert, as you might imagine, is just a little bit fired up today after his college coach became his major league manager (although he'll have to get used to not calling him "Coach Vitello" anymore):
Vitello will be introduced in a press conference Oct. 30. No terms were announced but we're hearing it's at least a three-year deal and possibly four.
Here's a gallery of the all-time leaders in winning percentage. Yeah, Clayton Kershaw is a little bit of a throwback.
Willy Adames will wear these cleats today to celebrate Bob Uecker:
I will be extra attentive when Willy Adames is at the plate tonight.
I met Ryne Sandberg just once, when I was 19 and he autographed the jersey I was wearing at a Cubs Convention. I had chances to talk to him during my reporting career but never did. I think it’s because I knew I’d be a fan first and reporter second. RIP and condolences to all who loved him.
Pretty darn candid and revealing comments from Justin Verlander on what's gone wrong and his process for finding a solution. "Frankly embarrassing. ... I'm just not deceptive enough."
Duane Kuiper always sent postcards from every road city to his wife and two kids. He’s still doing it for his granddaughters, Andy and Kit. (Pic courtesy of his daughter, Dannon.)
Marco Luciano is among the first round of Giants cuts. (Remember, Heliot Ramos was in the first was in the first wave last year and became an All-Star.
Giants first lineup of the spring vs Bruce Bochy’s Rangers at Surprise tomorrow.