Scott Backes's San Francisco Giants fan blog

I like this year's version of the Atlanta Hawks.  I really do.  I think we have it all together now for a playoff run.  I honestly think we can compete with the team we have, without any major shakeups or moves at the trade deadline.  I don't think anybody in the NBA can guard Josh Smith.  Joe Johnson is the leader and scorer, and simply gets the job done without hurting the team.  Bibby is a proven veteran and has experience.  Al Horford works his tail off and will NEVER give you less than 110% effort.  I hope we can continue to play strong and up to our abilities.  With the stretch of tough games we've recently played in, I think it has put the NBA world on notice to our ability.  Let's keep it up, Hawks!

Continue reading "I like our team"

Can we get a quarterback?  After watching today's "game" against the Miami Dolphins, I have never been more fully convinced that our issues are very simple.  We need a quality, veteran quarterback.  I sincerely think a good, and I stress "GOOD" quarterback can transform this team to an 11-5 or 12-4 team next year.  It's that simple.  If you've been watching the season of malcontent for many other teams, you know as well as I do that there will be some good quarterback available in the offseason.  I wouldn't be suprised if Donovan McNabb is available (I've blogged about this before), Carson Palmer will be out of Cincinnatti, one of the Browns quarterbacks will also be gone.  Marc Bulger is on his way out in St. Louis.  Any of these possibilities are leaps and bounds better than our current position.  How many 1, 2, or 3 yard out routes are we going to run? 

Continue reading "Wanted: A quarterback in San Francisco!"

I don't know how this would be scored in the scorebook, but the Edgar Renteria signing is a horrible error by GM Brian Sabaen.  There were better SS options on both the free agent and trade markets that were viable options to obtain.  Rafael Furcal (my choice), Khalil Greene, and J.J. Hardy all ranked above Renteria on my list.  I think he'll fit into the lineup, but not the impact player I was hoping for.  Instead, we added another complimentary player to our roster.  Also, the price tag is a huge blunder!  From all of the media reports I've seen, nobody else even offered more than $12 for the two years and we give him $18.5?  WHY?  I don't understand how we're still operating in "Barry Bonds" mode by over paying older free agents to compliment Bonds in the lineup and hope to stay competitive to get to the post season.  News Flash: Barry's gone! 

Continue reading "Error by Brian Sabean"

Donovan McNabb in scarlet and gold.  I can see it now.  McNabb's latest clash with Philly management no doubt has him on the way out.  We need to be proactive and take the opportunity to grab a pro bowl caliber quarterback when he's available.  Chances like this do not come by very often.  He'd be worth every cent we'd (San Francisco) pay for him, or for any number of draft picks and/or players.  He was benched for his backup in a game that his backup, Kevin Kolb had no chance.  I believe this was more of a message sent from the front office through Andy Reid.  I think this is Kevin's team now and it will work out for the best for us.  Grab him the second he's available.  We have a young, fast, and athletic defense.  We have an improving offensive line, a stellar running back, a tight end who is capable of catching lighting in a bottle, and very impressive wide receivers.  We have the pieces in place to be a force to be reckoned with next year. 

Continue reading "Donovan McNabb"

Diehard 49ers fan here.  Suffering with our inability to remain competitive.  Monday night's game with the Cardinals was an improvement in many areas, but I think we are kidding ourselves if we think J.T. O'Sullivan or Shaun Hill can make us relevant again.  Nothing against those two men.  Both could be better than average quarterbacks, but I think in an offensive era such as the one we are in, we NEED a different QB.  I am not sure what the York's plans are, but I think the one glaring need we have is at the QB position.  I think a good opportunity would be Matt Leinart, if he becomes available, or one of the Cleveland quarterbacks.  I have a hard time believing that Cleveland will continue to pour that much money into a backup QB, whoever that migh

Continue reading "Where have you gone, Joe Montana and Steve Young?"

Here are two moves that must be made in the offseason for the San Francisco Giants.  Note, that I only listed two "musts."  Here they are:  Sign Rafael Furcal and Dan Uggla.  Before you criticize and ostercize, listen to my points and then decide for yourself.  Signing these two players would provide instant offense and stability within the order.  Look at the new potential batting order now:

1.) Rafael Furcal
2.) Fred Lewis
3.) Randy Winn
4.) Dan Uggla
5.) Aaron Rowand
6.) Buster Posey
7.) Connor Gillespie
8.) Whoever plays 1B 
9.) That day's pitcher

Bring up the two rookies, let them get seasoned, and bring in two offensive threats.  This puts speed and the ability to get on base at the top of the order, combined with some pop through the middle in Uggla, Rowand, and Posey.  Our pitching staff is young and improving every day.  Use our youngsters in the minors to come up and fill our relief and setup holes.  This seems to simple to me.  I can't believe that we don't have the money available to get these two players with Bonds departing and the vast majority of our pitching staff earning Major League minimum wage. 

Continue reading "Offseason moves that MUST be made!"