Buster's first at-bats

[klaiggeb]

I liked what I saw on Buster's first 2 at bats today, his hips firing open as he swung.

From what I saw, those hips snapped open open like they did five six years ago.

That's a really good thing to see.

[Islandboagie]

I agree, Boly. His swing seems more fluid and effortless.

Something I took notice of was the replay review of the close play at first after Crawford's bobble. It really could have gone either way. It's not often they overrule a call when the play is that close. But what I started to focus on after many slow motion replays was Belt's absolutely perfect stretch at the bag. Crawford didn't recover and get the runner out, Crawford made an error and Belt saved him. I've known for a while Belt is an extraordinary first baseman, but the more I see him take throws in slow motion, the harder it is for me to automatically say JT Snow is the best Giants defensive first baseman in San Francisco history. In my opinion, Belt has quietly become better.

[garyd4sf]

Great observations. Belt is very underrated at 1B. He also has one of the best throwing arms from first base on that 3-4-3 DP action.

That team power I saw in watching spring games appears to be real. Gausman looked like an ace today. But the bullpen was awful, just like last year. 6 walks in the last few innings? Who thinks Rogers is a trustworthy reliever? Hopefully this is a one day thing, but I'm worried its not.


The Dodgers from spring training did not look ready, especially Kershaw.

[klaiggeb]

I'm with you, Gary... I, too, fear it will be the norm and not an exception.

But I'm taking a wait and see attitude because it was only 1 game.

Maybe it was 1st game jitters. Who knows.

But when you hit 4 HRs in one game, you SHOULD win.