Let’s start off today with a thank you to all the men and women who have represented our country in the Armed Forces.  If it weren’t for the sacrifices that these Americans have made, we would be able to live our lives with the freedom and choice that we all enjoy.  Thank you.
 
The one positive from the 2008 season for the Giants, Tim Lincicum, was rewarded for his extraordinary effort this past summer with National League's Cy Young Award. Lincicum dominated National League hitters during the season and is just plain nasty on the hill.  Lincicum beat out 4 other formidable pitchers, Lidge, Webb, Santana and Sabbathia.  The question surrounding Lincicum is can he hold up to the rigors of pitching in the major leagues.  His size and power remind many of Pedro Martinez.  Martinez was one of the top and most dominating pitchers for years. But Martinez eventually began to break down.  Throwing a baseball with as much effot and velocity as Martinez and Lincicum do, takes a tremendous toll on your arm and body.  Our hope is that he will be one of the exceptions and represent the Giants for many years to come. 

Billy Beane beats the Giants to the punchline. The Giants in desperate need of a blockbuster deal to bring in the power hitter that they so desperately need, sit on the hands while the Oakland A’s go out and get exactly what the Giants need, a right handed power hitter.  The Giants will probably make another Zitoesque mistake and go after Mark Techiera. Let’s remember that Techiera is a left handed hitter, there is an invisible wall in right field at Pac Bell Park.  The right fielder plays in the right center field gap.  Can you say fly out to right?  If they want a left handed power hitter, go after Gonzales from the Padres.  Hits the ball to left field a lot, the ball carries better that way.  He’s used to playing in a big park.
 
Football is a tough, physical game.  It takes passion to be successful in most endeavors.  Since the end of the Montana/Young era at San Francisco, the 49ers have been on a steady decline.  Mike Nolan was hoped to turn the tide.  However, he couldn't and was let go a few weeks  ago.  In steps Mike Singletary to take over the helm of the 49ers.  Singletary led the storied Chicago Bear defense of the mid 80's.  He played the signature middle linebacker position for the Bears.  He was an intense, tough and passionate football player.  After his first game at the helm of the 49ers, the media and all were ready to get rid of him.  How could he send one of his best players to the showers during the game?

If you watched the 49ers game on Monday, you saw a coach who players will rally behind. Singletary will probably get in your face when you screw up, but as we saw on Monday, he will also put his arm around you and tell you to be ready next time the ball comes your way. Right now he doesn't have the coaching personnel around and the talent on the field to win consistently. But I think that you will see this team slowly start to build a foundation and base upon which success will be launched.

That's all for now.