Deep thoughts, cheap shots & bon mots ...
Of all the NFL sideline protest configurations, the oddest and funniest is Marshawn Lynch, sitting, surrounded by several Raiders employees. A human shield against prying eyes? Hey, the Raiders love secrecy; let ’em have their fun.
But Thursday night, where were Lynch’s bodyguards when he needed them to protect him from himself ?
It might be hard for Bay Area baseball fans to admit this, but the Dodgers have been Warriorized. A new, enlightened ownership led them out of the dark ages. They’ve got a hip, smart leader in Dave Roberts, a tough and together team. For the Giants, this is a long-term obstacle.
And wouldn’t the Giants love to have a Yasiel Puig? The kid once voted Most Likely to SelfDestruct is destroying the playoffs, batting .414 in eight games.
At Magic Johnson’s USF appearance Wednesday, give an assist to Warriors’ COO Rick Welts. He can work a room, but serving as moderator, Welts guided the conversation while gracefully yielding the spotlight to Magic.
Michael Crabtree’s winning touchdown grab Thursday night? Not as routine as he made it look. With the superslo-mo replays, the tiniest bobble/juggle can nullify a legit catch. You’re in good hands with the Crustacean Sensation.
Memo to Stephen Curry commentators: Curry might
look like he got bigger over the offseason, but he has kept his weight at the same level for the last few years. Stronger? More chiseled? No doubt. But not bigger.
Shout-out to my buddy Ron Kroichick for his sensational fill-in work on the Raiders’ beat, as we transitioned to new guy Matt Kawahara (Twitter @matthewkawahara).
Speaking of great fill-in work, what’s to become of Giorgio Tavecchio when Seabass gets healthy? Tough call for Reggie McKenzie, but I’d stay with the kid.
Remember Eddie Hart, the legendary Bay Area sprinter who lost his bid for the 100meter gold medal at Munich in ’72 due to a scheduling snafu? Eddie’s an incredible guy who’s got a fascinating story that you can read in “Disqualified” (Black Squirrel Books), which Eddie co-wrote with another local legend, Dave Newhouse.
Smart move by the Raiders, signing NaVorro Bowman to give their defensive toughness a much-needed goose. If only the Raiders had been as fortunate with their last 49ers rescue pup, Aldon Smith.
Worth noting: A’s catcher Bruce Maxwell, the lone MLB protest kneeler, returned to the Bay Area from Arizona last week to wade into the Wine Country fire-relief efforts. We should all be so un-American.