Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 168

April 6, 2025

SF Giants secure second straight sweep, walk off Mariners to cap home-opening series

SAN FRANCISCO – A sun-kissed sellout crowd celebrated more than just another Giants’ win Sunday at Oracle Park.

This 5-4 victory came in walk-off fashion, it secured a sweep of their home-opening series against the Seattle Mariners, and it extended baseball’s longest active win streak to seven straight W’s.

The Giants, after sweeping their previous three-game series in Houston, own an 8-1 record for just the second time since moving to San Francisco in 1958; the 2003 club opened 13-1.

Pinch-hitter Wilmer Flores delivered a two-out single in the ninth to score Luis Matos, one pitch after a phenomenal catch injured Mariners right fielder Victor Robles.

“We have a feeling where we can win the game no matter what,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said. “When you lose the lead in the ninth, it’s a little demoralizing. To be able to come back again, it shows what we’ve developed here, a certain identity that we can win those close games, we can win any kind of game.

“If we have an opportunity to win in the ninth or late, we have a good feeling it’s going to happen,” Melvin added, “especially in this ballpark with fans going crazy.”

Flores’ game-winner was extra stunning considering the macabre scene it followed. Robles daringly snared Patrick Bailey’s flyball for the Giants’ second out; Matos tagged up and advanced from first to third on the play, but a replay review moved Matos back to second base.

Robles had to be carted off the field after his left arm collided with the waist-high wall and foul-ball netting. “He took on a wall we’ve never seen anyone take on in this park’s 25-year history,” Mike Krukow said on NBC Sports Bay Area’s broadcast. “It was one of the most spectacular catches we’ve seen in this ballpark.”

While Flores said he had to block out that “unfortunate” scene, his goal as a pinch-hitter is always “to try not to be a hero and stay in the moment.”

By making a concerted effort to not pull Gregory Santos’ 98-mph sinker, Flores heroically delivered his ninth career walk-off hit. Said Melvin: “That’s the guy you want in that situation. He knows what to expect, he knows how to handle it and wasn’t trying to do too much. The hole was open between first and second (base). He’s done it so often.”

Once Flores hit headed for greener pastures, “it was great, I knew I was going to score,” Matos said.

Mike Yastrzemski, whose three-run homer staked the Giants to a 4-2 lead in the fourth inning, got the game-winning rally started with a leadoff, four-pitch walk. Matos then reached on a fielder’s choice, with Yastrzemski’s slide into second base breaking up a potential double play.

Camilo Doval entered in the ninth seeking his third save of the season, and he was one strike shy of doing that. Instead, clean-up hitter Randy Arozarena lined a two-out, two-strike single over a leaping Matt Chapman at third, thus driving in Robles for the tying run. Doval escaped an ensuing bases-loaded jam by getting Mitch Garver to pop out to Chapman.

Yastrzemski’s three-run homer came on an opposite-field approach that earlier delivered singles by Jung Hoo Lee and Heliot Ramos, the latter of whom drove in Willy Adames for the Giants’ first run of the day. “I got beat by fastballs three times in my first at-bat (a strikeout), so that time I told myself I wasn’t going to get beat,” Yastrzemski said. “Shooting the ball the other way is all you need in that situation and I squared it up.”

Yastrzemski’s homer was his first of the season, and it fulfilled a pregame request by his daughter, who also asked for a triple and a splash hit. The timely, go-ahead shot came on a belt-high, first-pitch fastball by Mariners starter Bryan Woo, an Oakland native who threw a first-pitch strike 72.9% of the time last season for MLB’s best mark since such tracking began in 1988.

Flores has reached base in all nine of the Giants’ games, but he was out of the lineup up until the ninth inning. “I can’t run Flo out every single day. I know it’s just DH-ing and we’re getting a lot of production out of him. I want to keep him healthy,” Melvin said pregame. “This was a good day to get Matos in there, get (Heliot) Ramos off his feet and give Flo a day off, though I still have him coming off the bench.”

Indeed he did.

After pitching six scoreless innings last week to win in his native Houston, Jordan Hicks allowed a pair of solo home runs Sunday, with Nos. 2 and 3 batters Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh going deep in the first and third innings, respectively. Hicks got pulled after 90 pitches – with one out in the sixth, two men on base, and a standing ovation from a sellout crowd in his first home start of the season.

Reliever Randy Rodriguez promptly yielded an RBI single to Ryan Bliss that trimmed the Giants’ lead to 4-3. Rodriguez failed to back up Matos’ throw home that bounced past catcher Patrick Bailey, and not only did that allow two Mariners to advance a base, Matos was charged with an error – only the Giants’ second all season. Matos subsequently made a rally-ending catch near the third-base stands to preserve the 4-3 lead.

Seattle threatened to spoil things in the eighth with a pair of pinch-hit singles off Erik Miller, but Matt Chapman started a 5-4-3 doubleplay to end the threat. Another web gem came earlier from the infield’s left side when Adames, in the fifth inning, tracked down a Julio Rodriguez grounder in shallow center field and rifled a one-hop bullet in time to first baseman LaMonte Wade.

NEXT UP

The Giants next host the Cincinnati Reds in a rematch of last week’s season-opening series, with Monday’s starters the same as Game No. 1 in Logan Webb vs. Hunter Greene. Looming is a 10-game road trip against the New York Yankees, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Angels.

HOT START

Related Articles SF Giants’ Yastrzemski details concerns about Oracle Park fence after Robles injury Lee continues early hot start as SF Giants extend win streak to six SF Giants’ Miller brought back old pitch, and it’s giving hitters new fits Kurtenbach: SF Giants baseball is torture again. Bring it on On Oracle Park’s 25th birthday, SF Giants ring in new era in multiple ways

Melvin traced the Giants’ hot start to a confluence of factors, from long-time cohesion, veteran guidance and a different approach which, without naming names, traces to Buster Posey’s presence as president of baseball operations.

“There is a cohesiveness to the team this year,” Melvin said pregame, “that we really didn’t have, at least to begin last year, because guys were just coming in later. Free agency and so forth were done later in the spring.

“That, the fact we have a little bit different way we’re doing things, and we’re having some success, it’s a good vibe,” Melvin added. “We brought in some guys that are big clubhouse presence in Willy Adames and Justin Verlander. We have some guys here that are signed for a long time. It just feels it’s put together a little differently.”

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on April 06, 2025 15:53

Rooftop solar is not the culprit behind high California electric bills, advocates say

That $8.5 billion “cost shift” that regulators say falls on non-solar customers — and is partly responsible for our outrageous electric bills? It doesn’t exist.

No, rooftop solar advocates told the good-government Little Hoover Commission at a recent hearing, rooftop solar doesn’t cost other customers money, it actually saves them money. The real force behind our crazy soaring electricity rates is rapacious utility companies — and the regulators who allow them to collect way too much money, they said.

So rather than being the big bad wolf, rooftop solar is more Goldilocks, saving non-solar customers some $1.5 billion per year in avoided costs, they argued. How? Because the big investor-owned utilities haven’t had to build as much expensive infrastructure to meet demand.

Solar, they said, has been “scapegoated.”

“Why does California have such high rates?” asked Richard McCann, who authored a report for the California Solar and Storage Association refuting the existence of a cost shift. “It’s really the utility spending driving rate increases. The key question, really, is how do we control utility spending, not how do we make everyone pay for uncontrolled spending.”

Arguments refuting the solar cost shift have been presented to — and largely rejected by — the California Public Utilities Commission, the Public Advocate’s Office and many energy experts, but they got their day in the sun at the Little Hoover Commission’s second hearing on the woes of California’s energy system and how we might fix them on March 27.

California electric bills are the highest in the nation, save for Hawaii. Rates have doubled over the past decade. They’re about twice the national average and continue to rise, outpacing inflation. The investor-owned utilities (IOUs) — Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric and Pacific Gas & Electric — rake in big profits, even as they seek rate hikes.

Today, for-profit utility rates in California are 67% higher than those of public utilities, Consumer Watchdog has said. Experts at Little Hoover’s first hearing laid blame on the CPUC for allowing all that to happen; as well as on the expense of hardening the grid to withstand wildfires; on the cost of programs that lower monthly bills for low-income customers; and on the hotly contested solar cost shift.

Investor-owned utilities like SDG&E, PG&E and Edison tend to have higher rates than municipal systems (UC Berkeley Energy Institute at Haas)Investor-owned utilities like SDG&E, PG&E and Edison tend to have higher rates than municipal systems (UC Berkeley Energy Institute at Haas)

Investor-owned utilities don’t profit selling electricity. That’s essentially a pass-through cost. Rather, they’re granted a generous return on their capital investments (such as the aforementioned grid-hardening). The CPUC allows Edison, SDG&E and PG&E a 10%-plus return on these capital investments, which provides a perverse incentive for them to pursue the most expensive options rather than the least expensive options, critics charge. And ratepayers foot the bills for it.

In contrast, publicly owned utilities — like Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Sacramento Municipal Utility District — issue debt for their infrastructure projects. The interest rate on that debt is some 4-5% right  now, McCann told the Commission — substantially lower than the 10-plus percent return the utilities are allowed. And that 10% is after taxes; the before-tax return is some 14%, he said.

At the highest levels, the discourse over electric bills has revolved around cost-shifts and fixed-use charges and “How do we change who pays for what?” said Dave Rosenfeld, executive director of the Solar Rights Alliance.

“There’s some merit to asking that question,” he told the Commission. “But if that’s all we’re talking about, all we’re doing is rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.”

The biggest driver of costs, he said, has been long-distance poles and wires. “In the last 20 years, there’s been a mismatch between spending and peak demand. How do we reduce that spending on poles and wires?

“The solar customer is your friend, your ally, in the overall fight.”

The Commission’s staff would agree. With restraint.

“Beyond advancing clean energy goals, California’s robust rooftop solar adoption … has helped prevent blackouts by easing grid strain during peak summer demand,” the Commission report said. “Solar plus battery storage enhances grid resilience, allowing homeowners to maintain power during wildfire-related shutoffs. Additionally, by supplying energy to both solar-equipped households and the broader grid, rooftop solar has reduced the need for new thermal power plants.”

California generates an impressive proportion of its energy from non-fossil fuels: 65% of total generation in 2024 came from solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, hydroelectric and nuclear power, it said.

That breaks down this way: Utility-scale solar, 18.5%; small-scale solar, 13%; hydroelectric,12.4%; nuclear, 7.5%; and wind, 6%. This makes California the nation’s No. 2 state when it comes to using renewable energy sources; Texas outshone California at No. 1, with its heavy use of wind power, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

While lauding rooftop solar’s contribution, the Commission’s staff report trod carefully on the burning question of whether a solar cost shift exists.

“(A)nalysts disagree about whether those programs increase or decrease costs for residents who do not install solar panels,” it said. “Witnesses at the first hearing generally argued that the installation of rooftop solar increases rates for other customers,” while witnesses at this hearing argued exactly the opposite.

In its even-handed way, Commission staff explained the history of California’s investment in rooftop solar, which began in 1996. Then, to encourage its adoption, the state introduced Net Energy Metering (NEM), allowing homeowners with rooftop solar panels to earn credits for sending electricity they generate but don’t use to the grid for their neighbors to use. Those credits are applied to their bills at the retail rate, offsetting not only the cost of electricity generation but also transmission, distribution and other communal expenses — like the cost of reducing bills for low-income people.

NEM was revised in 2016 with slightly different terms, and dubbed “NEM 2.0”. Both versions are guaranteed for 20 years from the time of installation, and solar owners can bank their credits for exporting energy during the day to offset the cost of pulling power from the grid at night and on cloudy days

The utilities pay rooftop solar owners three to four times as much for their power as they pay for renewables sourced from elsewhere, regulators and some experts say, resulting in a huge cost that’s borne by non-solar households — between $4 billion and $8.5 billion, depending on who you ask. About a quarter of a non-solar customer’s electric bill — 21% to 27% — covers the costs their solar neighbors aren’t paying, the Public Advocates Office estimates.

Despite the solar industry’s arguments that the cost shift concept is based on faulty assumptions and isn’t real, regulators disagreed. In 2023, the CPUC revamped how rooftop solar credits works yet again, but only for owners of new systems (leaving the multi-billion dollar cost shift in place).

Now new systems get far less generous credits — some 75% lower than the older systems. This led to a precipitous decline in new solar installations between 2023 and 2024 — of 66% — as well as the loss of at least 17,000, the solar industry says.

Others argue that this decline is a temporary market correction after the surge in installations that came as customers rushed to lock in higher NEM benefits before the program disappeared. “These analysts believe that solar adoption — especially when paired with battery storage — will stabilize over time as the market adjusts to the new tariff structure,” the Commission report said.

California isn’t done reallocating how electricity customers pay for fixed costs. There may be another attempt to lower credits for the NEM owners who were grandfathered in in 2023. And a monthly “income-graduated fixed charge” ($24 for most customers, $12 for low-income folks) kicks in later this year for solar and non-solar customers alike.

Solar reps argued that rooftop solar customers still buy electricity from the big utilities, paying $105 a month on average, and so do contribute to the system’s fixed costs. A commissioner responded that, because they get to roll back their rates, they’re not paying those fixed costs at the same rate other customers are.

A commissioner also noted that some 80% of solar panels are made in China.

Many ideas are being floated to address the mess we find ourselves in:

• Strengthen the CPUC’s review process for approving utility spending. Boost staff to enhance oversight, require stricter cost evaluations before approval, improve financial accountability, reduce its focus exclusively to energy.

• Make the Public Advocates Office independent. It’s the branch of the CPUC that represents the little guy. Outside the CPUC, it could serve as a more impartial watchdog in rate-setting decisions.

• Decrease utility profits, particularly the high return guaranteed by the CPUC for infrastructure investments. In addition to lowering the rate of return, use external funding sources to reduce rates, authorize public ownership of new transmission projects, and pay for it using lower-cost bonds.

• Consider performance-based profit models that reward utilities for efficiency rather than infrastructure expansion.

• Address the cost of existing NEM contracts, the last of which will sunset in 2043, by shortening thelength of legacy benefits, ending them when a home is sold, implementing a Grid Benefits Charge for solar users, aligning compensation rates with system installation dates.

The Little Hoover Commission’s next hearing on the energy issue will feature testimony from those who’ve taken the brunt of the beatings so far — the CPUC and the investor-owned utilities, as well as the California Energy Commission, the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on April 06, 2025 12:14

Horoscopes April 6, 2025: Paul Rudd, think about what you want to achieve

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Eliza Coupe, 44; Candace Cameron Bure, 49; Zach Braff, 50; Paul Rudd, 56.

Happy Birthday: Think about what you want to achieve, and channel your energy strategically to ensure you reach your goal. Opportunity is apparent if you are open to suggestions, eager to learn and expand your awareness, and participate in life and issues that concern you. Look for unique friendships, groups and places to spend time and engage in what makes you happy. Leave nothing to chance or unfinished. Your numbers are 8, 15, 21, 27, 30, 38, 45.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Dream, strategize and turn your ideas into a reality. Be forthright regarding what you want and what you are willing to give in return. Social events will turn out better than anticipated. Mingle, listen, be supportive and gain insight and allies to help you advance. Trust your instincts, and shoot for the stars. 5 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Conquer your fears by embracing whatever stands in your way. A fearless approach will make you impossible to defeat. Focus on your attributes and use them to reach your objective. Refuse to give in or fall victim to bullies or those hiding behind their insecurities. Strive to be your best. 2 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Keep a watchful eye on anyone you don’t fully trust. Be ready to step in and take over to ensure your reputation isn’t subject to someone else’s poor choices. Be aware, open and prepared to take charge or leave any situation that can alter your life. Look out for your best interests. 4 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Use your creative imagination, and you’ll outmaneuver anyone trying to compete with you. Make self-improvements that make others take notice, and don’t be afraid to flaunt what you can do or offer. A financial opportunity will come from someone or something you least expect. Be quick to respond, and prosperity will be yours. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Explore, learn and expand your awareness. The time to venture out and discover what’s possible is now. Delve into subjects that interest you and look for a way to converge the old with the new. The future looks bright if you embrace what’s new and exciting. Broaden your circle of friends. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Put more time, effort and thought into money matters. Review contracts, update what’s about to expire and handle time-sensitive issues swiftly. Look for opportunities, but don’t bet everything on one person or prospect. Cut your losses, divvy up your interests and participate in what’s most purposeful to you. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Engage in something that makes you think, and expand your mind, interests and friendships. Stop procrastinating and waiting for things to come to you. Attend a reunion, participate in a community event or visit a place you’ve never been. The future looks bright if you are willing to initiate change. 4 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Social and networking events will be valuable. Someone you encounter will offer a unique perspective that will help diversify how you use your skills and evaluate what you do. Visit someone who brings out the best in you, and establish a close bond that encourages you to spend more time supporting one another’s efforts. 2 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Keep a low profile, and you’ll exceed your expectations. Once you eliminate interference, the chance to let your mind wander will develop and encourage you to turn what you enjoy doing most into something tangible. Refuse to let anyone distract you or use your time to benefit their interests. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Participate, travel and be resourceful. Take interest, ask questions and try your hand at something that you can incorporate into your lifestyle or turn into a profit. A change will give you the boost and confidence you require to improve your situation and your relationships with others. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Push for change, be the forerunner and show everyone how to do things properly. Taking charge will help you develop a pattern that is conducive to using your skills, experience and awesomeness to dazzle those who take an interest in what you are doing. Make self-improvement and love a priority. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Take charge, and don’t stop until you are happy with the results. Whether you put yourself in a competitive situation or decide to socialize with people who share your interests, you stand to come out on top with plenty of information and insight to help you get ahead. Romance is on the rise. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are quick-witted, energetic and proficient. You are disciplined and outgoing.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

Want a link to your daily horoscope delivered directly to your inbox each weekday morning? Sign up for our free Coffee Break newsletter at mercurynews.com/newsletters or eastbaytimes.com/newsletters.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on April 06, 2025 03:01

April 5, 2025

Lee continues early hot start as SF Giants extend win streak to six

SAN FRANCISCO — Jung Hoo Lee went more than 300 days in between major-league games after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in early May. It would’ve been reasonable to assume there was rust to be knocked off. But so far, Lee hasn’t missed a beat.

Lee totaled three hits, scored two runs and swiped his third base of the season as the Giants beat the Seattle Mariners, 4-1, on Matt Chapman’s bobblehead night, extending their winning streak to six games and improving to 7-1 for the first time since 2003. Lee, currently in the midst of a six-game hitting streak and batting .321, continued showcasing his defensive value as well, tracking down a deep drive to center field near the warning track. The season remains in its infancy, but the excitement surrounding Lee in the Giants’ clubhouse is palpable.

“I never had a doubt, personally,” said Chapman, who totaled two doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored. “I know how hard it can be after missing a whole year. It is impressive that he’s so consistent right away. When you look at his swing and the way he works in the cage, his swing can handle big-league pitching.”

Lee, who is in the second year of a six-year, $113 million deal, does not have the luxury of history against opposing pitchers. Including today, Lee has faced 105 different pitchers since joining the Giants. Chapman, by contrast, has faced 965 different pitchers in his major-league career. Additionally, Lee hasn’t faced a single MLB pitcher at least five times. Despite the lack of an extensive rolodex, Lee has flashed glimpses of the player who won MVP in the KBO.

“I think it just goes to show you how well he’s able to prepare and how good of a player he is,” Chapman said. His bat-to-ball skills are really good. I think that a guy like him that can put the bat on the ball is able to make adjustments really quickly.”

True to Chapman’s assessment, Lee’s bat-to-ball skills are already elite. Lee had a career contact rate of 90.0% entering play, sharing company with the likes of Luis Arraez (93.1%) and Steven Kwan (91.5%). And while Lee makes contact at a slightly lower rate compared to Arraez and Kwan, he hits the ball nearly three miles per hour harder on average.

“On nights like today, it feels like he never missed a beat,” said manager Bob Melvin. “Every game, he seems like his timing is that much better. He’s pulling balls. He’s hitting balls up the middle. He’s hitting them into the left-center field gap. Always balanced. There’s a reason we got him. There’s a reason he’s hitting in the three-hole.”

Added Robbie Ray, who pitched six innings of one-run ball: “We’re super glad to have him out there. He runs everything down. He plays hard, and that’s all he knows how to do. He’s a really special talent to have out there, and we’re very excited for that.”

Lee’s bat-to-ball skills were already established, but the 26-year-old has added a new wrinkle to his game by being aggressive on the bases. Last season, Lee attempted five steals in 37 games and was successful just twice. With the first home stand not yet complete, Lee is already a perfect three-for-three on steals.

San Francisco has already amassed 11 steals due in part to Lee, one of seven teams to already crack double figures. Over the last two combined seasons, by contrast, the Giants have ranked dead last in steals and attempts. Should Lee continue this pace, he could very well become the first Giant to steal at least 30 bases in a single season since Dave Roberts in 2007.

“It’s something that we’ve tried to press a little bit,” Melvin said. “Guys worked on it all spring, getting good jumps and working on backfields with timing and stuff like that. It’s been a key element for us here early in the season.”

Worth noting

Manager Bob Melvin said the Giants will start treating Birdsong, who tossed two scoreless innings, like a reliever for the time being. The team hoped for Birdsong to piggyback after a starter during their recent series in Houston, but the opportunity never materialized. “I think we’re at the point now where to get him consistent work and keep him sharp, we’re just going to have to treat him as a reliever.”
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on April 05, 2025 20:32

Pro Soccer: Union play Detroit to a scoreless draw

DETROIT — Picking up a point on the road helped make the flight back from Detroit a little more soothing.

Still smarting from being knocked out of the U.S. Open Cup, Monterey Bay FC rebounded with arguably its best defensive effort of the season Saturday in salvaging a scoreless draw with Detroit City FC.

Since dropping their United Soccer League Championship opener in San Antonio, the Union are unbeaten in their last four matches in league play, improving to 3-1-1 in the Western Conference.

Monterey Bay FC sits just two points behind undefeated San Antonio (4-0-0) – who faces Phoenix Rising on Sunday – in the Western Conference. At 2-1-2, Detroit City is tied for third in the Eastern Conference.

Having played three games over the course of eight days twice in the last three weeks, the Union will return to Cardinale Stadium on Saturday, hosting Colorado Springs, who hasn’t played a USL game since March 29.

The Union dominance on defense continued, particularly on defense, where they have allowed just one goal in the second half in the USL, as goalie Nico Campuzano recorded his second shutout between the pipes this spring.

During their USL three-game winning streak, the Union were averaging three goals a match, with eight of their last nine goals in USL play coming in the second half.

Part of Monterey Bay FC’s offensive struggles Saturday stemmed from former Union and current Detroit goalie Carlos Herrera, who recorded his second clean sheet of the season, while former defender Morey Doner was a thorn in the team’s side.

The Union came into the match winless in three career meetings with Detroit, having gone 0-2-1. It was the franchises second ever meeting in the Motor City.

Monterey Bay FC didn’t help themselves on the pitch, recording a single match record 21 fouls.

The match did mark the 100th in the career of Watsonville native and former Cal State Monterey Bay sniper Adrian Rebollar, who is in his fourth season with the Union.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on April 05, 2025 19:14

SF Giants’ Miller brought back old pitch, and it’s giving hitters new fits

SAN FRANCISCO — Erik Miller hadn’t thrown his sinker in about seven years when he took the mound at Oracle Park for his first offseason bullpen. Given how long the pitch had been dormant, he had no expectations for how the pitch would play.

He needed to throw just one to create shock and awe.

“I was like, ‘I don’t know if this is going to be great. We had the Trackman set up at Oracle. I threw the very first one. I looked back at the analysts. … Their jaws both dropped,” Miller said. “Eyes wide open. Like, ‘Holy [expletive], that was legit. The movement on that was unreal for that pitch.’ As soon as I threw the first one, I was like, ‘We might be working with something here.’ ”

“There’s certain guys that when you add pitches, it takes a long time,” said pitching coach J.P. Martinez. “Sometimes, when you put a pitch in a guy’s hand, it’s just clear from the first or second throw or in the first ‘pen that it’s a pitch they’ll be able to use. That was the case with his sinker.”

Miller, the lone lefty in the Giants’ bullpen, has brought back an old pitch for his sophomore season. It’s already giving left-handed hitters a new challenge. He’s only thrown a couple, but with its combination of velocity and movement, it’s already one of the best in the game.

Martinez approached Miller about playing around with a sinker while playing catch during the offseason. Martinez saw Miller artificially raising his arm slot last season to get additional vertical movement on his four-seam fastball, so tossing around the sinker would help Miller get behind his four-seamer more and generate additional vertical movement. The unintended result was another way to neutralize lefties.

“I said, ‘Hey, if you throw your four-seam from the same slot as the changeup, we could probably put a two-seam in your hand and they’ll separate,’” Martinez recalled. “The first one he ever threw had like 20 inches of (horizontal movement). He threw it down-and-away to a lefty, and it came back middle. That’s a pitch that you could steal a strike on a lefty with, or eventually, it’s going to bore in on them and it’s going to give you more room for your changeup.”

On Monday, Miller struck out Yordan Alvarez, one of baseball’s best hitters, with a sinker that clocked in at 99 mph and generated nearly 20 inches of horizontal movement. Miller is currently averaging 18.0 inches of horizontal break on his sinker; for context, the Minnesota Twins’ Michael Tonkin generated the most horizontal break with his sinker at 18.8 inches. The sinker generates so much movement that Miller aims his sights at the right-handed batter’s box.

https://sporty-clips.mlb.com/WERsMjlfVjBZQUhRPT1fQlFRQ0FGd05WbEVBQ2dSVFZBQUhCQUpXQUFCVEFGSUFCUVJUVWdOV0FBVlVWUUJU.mp4

“We wanted something that could really dominate lefties, and it felt like that was the right pitch,” Martinez said. “Anytime you get a same-side sinker that moves that much and it’s that hard, it’s going to be a good pitch.”

Added backup catcher Sam Huff: “It’s very heavy, very quick. It’s like a bowling ball coming at you that you have to hit somehow. It’s not easy to hit — but it’s easy to catch and I’m happy I get to catch it.”

The sinker enables Miller to become more of an east-west pitcher who’s capable of covering both sides of the plate. Miller’s sinker and changeup, another excellent offering in its own right, move into left-handed hitters. The slider, by contrast, moves away from lefties. The task of hitting Miller is all the more difficult because Miller’s sinker “mirrors” his slider, meaning both pitches are nearly indistinguishable coming towards the plate until they inevitably break one way or the other. He’s only thrown two sliders this year over his four outings, but that’s been due more to matchups. If Miller wants to go upstairs, he can call upon the four-seamer.

https://sporty-clips.mlb.com/WERsMjlfVjBZQUhRPT1fVTFVQ0JRWldYd0lBQ0FOUlhnQUhDQUpSQUZnQ0JsTUFBbElNVVFZQkFRUUhCQVJR.mp4

 

Related Articles Lee continues early hot start as SF Giants extend win streak to six Kurtenbach: SF Giants baseball is torture again. Bring it on On Oracle Park’s 25th birthday, SF Giants ring in new era in multiple ways Adames hits walk-off in home debut as SF Giants extend winning streak The Giants are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their downtown waterfront ballpark; here are 25 memories, starting the day it opened

“Last year, I felt it could keyhole me a lot where lefties knew I was going four-seams away, sliders away — everything was going to be away from them,” Miller said. “Now, I have something that can get in on their hands and force them to honor the inside part of the plate.”

Miller was unafraid to say that he plans on using the sinker against a certain left-handed hitter on the Los Angeles Dodgers. Last season, Miller faced Shohei Ohtani five times. He struck him out every single time. When the Giants and Dodgers inevitably meet, Ohtani will have to contend with an even more challenging offering.

“I don’t think it’s any secret that there’s a guy that plays for the Dodgers that I’m probably going to be throwing it a lot to this year,” Miller laughed. “The cat’s out of the bag. They know that’s something I’m going to be throwing to lefties — specifically someone like Shohei. It’s exciting. I obviously understand my role. A lot of times, I’m here to get the best left-handed guy on their team out. To have such a big weapon now for lefties, it’s pretty fun.”

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on April 05, 2025 17:16

PHOTOS: Hundreds of pro-democracy protestors assemble in Monterey

Hundreds of people protested in Monterey on Saturday, one of...Hundreds of people protested in Monterey on Saturday, one of more than 1,000 demonstrations happening nationwide. Called the "Hands Off Our Democracy Rallies," demonstrators were protesting "the destructive actions of the Trump administration." Monterey Mayor Tyller Williamson, who was in attendance, commented it was one of the best turnouts he'd seen. Another large protest also took place in Salinas on Saturday. (David Timonera - Special to the Herald)Hundreds of people protested in Monterey on Saturday, one of...Hundreds of people protested in Monterey on Saturday, one of more than 1,000 demonstrations happening nationwide. Called the "Hands Off Our Democracy Rallies," demonstrators were protesting "the destructive actions of the Trump administration." Monterey Mayor Tyller Williamson, who was in attendance, commented it was one of the best turnouts he'd seen. Another large protest also took place in Salinas on Saturday. (David Timonera - Special to the Herald)Hundreds of people protested in Monterey on Saturday, one of...Hundreds of people protested in Monterey on Saturday, one of more than 1,000 demonstrations happening nationwide. Called the "Hands Off Our Democracy Rallies," demonstrators were protesting "the destructive actions of the Trump administration." Monterey Mayor Tyller Williamson, who was in attendance, commented it was one of the best turnouts he'd seen. Another large protest also took place in Salinas on Saturday. (David Timonera - Special to the Herald)[image error]Hundreds of people protested in Monterey on Saturday, one of more than 1,000 demonstrations happening nationwide. Called the "Hands Off Our Democracy Rallies," demonstrators were protesting "the destructive actions of the Trump administration." Monterey Mayor Tyller Williamson, who was in attendance, commented it was one of the best turnouts he'd seen. Another large protest also took place in Salinas on Saturday. (David Timonera - Special to the Herald)[image error]Hundreds of people protested in Monterey on Saturday, one of more than 1,000 demonstrations happening nationwide. Called the "Hands Off Our Democracy Rallies," demonstrators were protesting "the destructive actions of the Trump administration." Monterey Mayor Tyller Williamson, who was in attendance, commented it was one of the best turnouts he'd seen. Another large protest also took place in Salinas on Saturday. (David Timonera - Special to the Herald)Hundreds of people protested in Monterey on Saturday, one of...Hundreds of people protested in Monterey on Saturday, one of more than 1,000 demonstrations happening nationwide. Called the "Hands Off Our Democracy Rallies," demonstrators were protesting "the destructive actions of the Trump administration." Monterey Mayor Tyller Williamson, who was in attendance, commented it was one of the best turnouts he'd seen. Another large protest also took place in Salinas on Saturday. (David Timonera - Special to the Herald)Hundreds of people protested in Monterey on Saturday, one of...Hundreds of people protested in Monterey on Saturday, one of more than 1,000 demonstrations happening nationwide. Called the "Hands Off Our Democracy Rallies," demonstrators were protesting "the destructive actions of the Trump administration." Monterey Mayor Tyller Williamson, who was in attendance, commented it was one of the best turnouts he'd seen. Another large protest also took place in Salinas on Saturday. (David Timonera - Special to the Herald)Show Caption1 of 7Hundreds of people protested in Monterey on Saturday, one of more than 1,000 demonstrations happening nationwide. Called the "Hands Off Our Democracy Rallies," demonstrators were protesting "the destructive actions of the Trump administration." Monterey Mayor Tyller Williamson, who was in attendance, commented it was one of the best turnouts he'd seen. Another large protest also took place in Salinas on Saturday. (David Timonera - Special to the Herald)Expand
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on April 05, 2025 13:40

Panetta Lecture Series: Jeff Sessions to be featured on panel

MONTEREY – Jeff Sessions, the former U.S. attorney general who served in President Donald Trump’s first administration, will be among a group of experts who will convene with former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta on a discussion of the “Constitution, Immigration, Law and Order, Pardons – What Will Be the Law Enforcement Legacy of the Trump Era?”  on April 14 in the Panetta Lecture Series.

The 28th annual season’s overarching theme is “What Will Be the Legacy of the Trump Era?” The event, the second of the season’s series, will be held at the Monterey Conference Center at 7 p.m.

Sessions served more than 10 years representing Alabama in the Senate before being named attorney general in February 2017 under Trump. In November 2018, Sessions tendered his resignation at Trump’s request. Sessions had earlier recused himself from investigations relating to Russian election interference, which reportedly angered Trump.

Joining Sessions on the panel will be Alejandro Mayorkas, the former secretary of the  Department of Homeland Security; Janet Napolitano, who is also a former secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and former Arizona governor; and Chuck Rosenberg, a former U.S. attorney.

“The institutions of our democracy are being tested by the Trump administration, particularly the rule of law and the ability of the courts to enforce the law through the judicial system,” said Panetta in a press release. “More than 130 lawsuits are now pending as the courts are deciding whether the executive orders on immigration, cuts in the federal work force, changes in federal agencies and departments, tariff and trade decisions are constitutional. The Trump administration has threatened to ignore judicial rulings and is calling for the impeachment of judges who rule against the president.

“Can our democracy sustain these attacks on the rule of law?”

Season subscriptions to the Leon Panetta Lecture Series are available for $300. Individual tickets to the April 14 lecture sell for $100. To order call the Panetta Institute at (831) 582-4200 to pay with a credit card.

For additional information on tickets, subscriptions or broadcast details, please call the Panetta Institute at (831) 582-4200 or visit www.panettainstitute.org.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on April 05, 2025 13:04

Liza Horvath, Senior Advocate: Children “helping”

Question: My sister and I stayed with our mom at her home for the last three weeks of her life. When she passed, my sister and I contacted the social security administration, closed her safe deposit box and her post office box. We also took the items of personal property we were entitled to under her trust and cleared out all the old files Mom had. My mom had appointed a professional fiduciary as her trustee. When we let the fiduciary know that mom had passed and all the steps we had taken, we thought she would be pleased. Instead, she was quite upset! She has asked us to return the personal property or, at least, make an inventory of the things we took and be prepared to return them if asked.

We are both upset at the fiduciary’s response and, on top of grieving our mother, this has made it even more difficult. Can you explain to me what we did wrong and why the fiduciary was not happy with our actions?

Answer: There is little doubt that you and your sister had the best of intentions and it would seem that the professional fiduciary should be pleased. However, your mom asked a professional to take care of things after she passed, and she probably made that choice for a reason.

The job of the trustee when administering an estate after someone has passed can be a lot of work so perhaps your mom wanted to “offload” that work to someone who does this kind of thing day in and day out. Fiduciaries become very efficient at their jobs and can, usually, do an excellent job to smoothly administer the estate. Alternatively, your mom may have suspected there might be some challenges in the disposition of the estate due to either the assets or the relationships between the beneficiaries.

After a loved parent passes, the children are grieving. In addition to the grief and depending on the family structure and relationships between siblings, other emotions often come into play. In blended families where parents have kids from prior marriages, it is not uncommon for feelings of distrust to surface after both parents have died and now the step-siblings are made to interact with each other. There can be questions about what belonged to dad and what belonged to mom and where that property “should” go.

When a trustee steps in, their initial duty is to determine what assets (including personal property) are on hand and what the trust states is to be done with the assets. The trustee sends out copies of the trust and information about the assets to all those involved, and this triggers a period during which someone can voice any objections to the trust document or how assets are to be distributed. If a dispute arises, the trustee will make every effort to settle these kinds of disputes and keep issues from escalating. If they cannot, certain legal actions can be taken to agreeably settle disputes. If you have already taken the assets, it makes the job that much more challenging.

By clearing out your mother’s “old files” you undermined the trustee’s ability to complete her work. The trustee needs to know what bills may be outstanding and she needs historical information about assets. Also, depending on the time of year, she may need to address tax filing immediately and some of this information may have been in the files you removed.

My recommendation to children is to contact the named trustee at the earliest opportunity. If you realize that death is imminent, notify the trustee. This way, the trustee can review the files she has on your mother and attempt to collect any information needed for a smooth administration.

Again, your intentions were good, and it could be that your actions helped you and your sister begin to process your grief. However, it may have made the trustee’s job a bit more challenging.

Liza Horvath has over 30 years of experience in the estate planning and trust fields and is the president of Monterey Trust Management, a financial and trust management company. This is not intended to be legal or tax advice. If you have a question call (831)646-5262 or email liza@montereytrust.com

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on April 05, 2025 12:56

Synchronized sensations

An abundance of hardware was collected recently by the Cypress Swim Club at the Artistic Synchronized Swimming championships in Sacramento.

Abe and Zach Hedin combined their efforts in the intermediate division to win the duet routine, while Daniel DeSalvo and Aranza Fernandez captured the mixed-duet competition.

Eva Reichstadt and Areej Salah were bronze medalists in the 11-12 year-old duet division, with Katie Doolittle and Charlotte Garvey placing fifth in the 13-15 age class.

All eight competitors teamed up to place sixth overall in the intermediate team division, while Reichstadt was third in the solo routine.

Ameer Salah captured gold in the solo novice division, with Amanda DeSalvo and Nadine Reichstadt winning gold in the masters duet routine. Leslie Perez Palma was a silver medalist in the masters solo competition.

The youth level unit of Elena DeCarlo, Elyse DeSalvo, Reagan Dotterer, Scarlet Dotterer and Kathrin Reichstadt placed second in the team routine and were silver medalists in the combo routine with Jannah Noonari. DeCarlo was fourth in solo’s and DeSalvo fifth.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on April 05, 2025 10:18