Bum 1. I'm not hearing much from the folks that wanted to play the San Francisco Giants instead of the Philadelphia Phillies. Nothing against the Phillies and I wouldn't guarantee a World Series win against them if things had gone differently, but they weren't playing as well as the Giants if you consider the entire season. The Phillies were making huge mistakes. The Giants weren't. That translated to this series. The Giants are getting stellar pitching, a whole lot of luck and some clutch hitting. The Giants are the Rangers. And if you think the Rangers were the favorites, then I would argue that the Giants were right there, if not better.
2. Madison Bumgarner goes into next season as the No. 3 starter. Frankly, I like him and Matt Cain more than Lincecum. Not that it matters. Jon Sanchez as your No. 4 is pretty nice.
3. The Giants are good. They're also lucky. How many hard-hit balls of the Rangers go right at Giant outfielders? Look at that Buster Posey home run. Looked like a fly out. Carried right out of the park. Next inning Jeff Franceour gets a hold of one and it dies at the warning track. Nothing against luck. Every team needs it, but the Rangers aren't getting it.
4. Rangers need to be more selective in running on Posey. The kid has a cannon.
5. I feel Tommy Hunter's getting a raw deal in these playoffs. I would say he's on a short lease. Instead, I think Ron Washington's holding on to his collar. Last night was not his fault. He went four and allowed two runs. At some point your offense needs to pick you up. I feel Hunter could've gone another inning allowing you to go with Alexi Ogando, The Darrens and then Neftali Feliz or whoever.
6. Ogando strengthens my argument that Feliz should be made a starter.
7. So happy to see Derek Holland put out there in an important spot. Clearly had the World Series jitters and overcame those.
8. Win two straight and we'll talk.
