San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Deep thoughts, cheap shots & bon mots ...
The scouting report on Jimmy Garoppolo after one game: Still cute.
Something we learned about Garoppolo that he didn’t show last season and maybe he’s showing now because he’s secure: He’s a gambler. Not afraid to chuck the ball into a small window. There’s a fine line between confident and reckless, and Jimmy G is not afraid to walk that line. Better that than timid.
What I don’t get about Garoppolo: He sadly retired his old Eastern Illinois backpack because of a broken strap and a hole. If you make $27.5 mil a year, you can afford a live-in backpack repairman.
I’m pretty sure this is not Khris Davis’ goal, but: He batted exactly .247 each of the past three seasons, and his BA is hovering about .250. That consistency does not carry over to his OPS, which has gone up each of the past three seasons and will do so again. Lock him up! (Contractually.)
What the Sharks understand that the Raiders (and the A’s) don’t: There’s nothing as valuable as a superstar in his prime. Welcome to the Bay Area, Erik Karlsson. You can have Khalil Mack’s parking spot.
Only A’s fans could have a conversation like this: “Did you hear Trevor Cahill is on the shelf ?” “Oh, no, what is it? Elbow? Rotator cuff ? Forearm strain?” “Rhombo.” “Dang, a rhomboid strain!”
Lucky for me I had “Rhomboid” on my A’s-pitchers-injuries bingo card.
Synopsis of my next movie, inspired by The Sporting Green’s splendid three-part series on college football’s forrevenue cupcake games: Guy starts a shady school and stocks its football team with ex-cons and assorted lowlifes, for the purpose of cashing in on cupcake revenue games against major schools. I’m calling it “Trump U.”
Monta Ellis sat out last season but reportedly is planning a comeback. Remember when Ellis insisted two little guys couldn’t play together? Now the Warriors play five little guys at once. Maybe they will sign Ellis as center for their Death Lineup.
I’ve lost my arm slot. If anyone finds it, please return. Reward.