October 2009: Week 1 (with Randy Johnson, San Francisco Giants)
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Dig in your heels, it's a high, hard one — on The NOR CAL Report! First-ballot Hall Of Famer and Giant among men Randy Johnson joins the lads for an exclusive peek inside his illustrious career. Plus, almost all the NOR CAL pro teams — plus your Cal Bears — are making headlines, so we're covering a lot of ground:
The Cal Bears make their NOR CAL Report debut — and perhaps their swan song, as they take a massive dive against the Ducks. With USC looming, their promising season threatens to end before it's begun...
The 49ers come within two seconds of Brett Favre and Minnesota. But is it true the face of the franchise — unquestioned authority figger Mike Singletary — suddenly is a moral victory kind of guy?
The Raiders stink on ice at home, and are mercifully blacked out. 'Nuff said...
The Giants are fading fast from the pennant chase, but have nothing but some back-slapping to do for this year. Oh yeah: minus a few helpful hints toward fixing their dreadful offense;
And the A's wrap up their best month in three years, thanks to a lot of shrewd development and a little addition by subtraction. So what's the blueprint for next year — and how long before this window closes?
The Earthquakes break a long road unbeaten streak and divide the United in D.C.;
The Kings hire a new head man — but will it make a difference?
Finally, the Warriors make waves as only they can, with Monta one-upping Jack's trade request with a whine all his own. The good news: like the Raiders, no team this bad is in the mood to credential Indies like us, so we can tell the truth on this sorry saga!
We call 'em like we see 'em — on The NOR CAL Report!
UP NEXT: Raiders stalwart 'backer Thomas Howard joins Jess for a breakdown of the great, strange land called Raider Nation. Plus, baseball's out, football's in, and basketball is (sigh) just around the corner!
Played: 382 | Download | Duration: 01:09:00
The NOR CAL Blog:
All the latest info, anecdotes and opinions from the Report's own Jess Zitrin.
Yes! Yes, I know! The 49ers signed Michael Crabtree. What's even more amazing than the speed at which it happened, is the terms of the contract. Here's how to understand it: the sixth year isn't a concession to the young receiver, it's the Niners saying, "if you go from big-time pain in the ass to two-time Pro Bowler, we get to keep you for just $4 million..."
In case you've never seen Randy Johnson kill anyone, here you go. My PC had the strangest tick last week: every time I clicked to listen to the show (it's true, I'm in this to hear the sound of my own voice) rather than hear our Tom Petty intro, I'd get shuttled to this YouTube clip, of Randy Johnson killing a bird. Fastball; BOOM!; feathers... Fastball; BOOM!; feathers... Best virus I've ever had!
Some Giants fans may be forgiven a little confusion, when the home crowd cheers Rich Aurilia like he's Manny Ramirez. (What's wrong with the Giants in a nutshell?) But Aurilia has been through a lot in S.F.. Says a tearful Richie: "I'm proud of the way the team played and the way I handled myself. I'm not going to any Hall of Fame or chasing any records. If it's about to end, then I'm OK with that"...
What's a 52-29 home record worth in today's economy? A rockin' 2.8 million fans, playoffs or no. Apropos of nothing, the Giants have the two best nicknames in baseball: Pablo "the Panda" Sandoval, and Eugenio Velez's new monicker, Count Chocula...
We know this team won't be raising payroll much. But since you asked, what does it take to make it a true contender? Pretty simple. Re-sign Brad Penny, and turn Jonathan Sanchez, some spare parts from the farm, and $20 million into Prince Fielder (by trade) and Jason Bay (free agent.) By the way, to all those, like Lex, who thought the Giants missed their window on trading Sanchez last winter — he looks like a guy who's turned the corner. Brian Sabean has made hay trading good looking young pitchers again and again...
Personally, I don't think it's a big deal if cops at a Raiders game are actually Raiders fans — go for it. But when the cop snaps a 49ers fan's elbow without provocation — well, I guess you call that a rivalry...
Regarding the Raiders' attempts to play in the NFL without any media coverage: Scott Ostler can only offer up his own lies and insinuations...
Thanks as always for checking out the blog, and for tuning in to The NOR CAL Report!
Posted by Jess Zitrin and Lex Gopnik at September 30, 2009 
Categories: Earthquakes, Warriors, Cal Bears, 49ers, Kings, Raiders, Giants, A's
Categories: Earthquakes, Warriors, Cal Bears, 49ers, Kings, Raiders, Giants, A's
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