John Lillpop is a recovering liberal, "clean and sober" since 1992 when last he voted for a Democrat. 
Satire By John W. Lillpop
The San Francisco Giants have played here since 1958 and over that period, the team has never won a World Series championship.
In fact, there are more "conservative Republicans" in this liberal-infested city than "world champions." One is still greater than zero, after all.
Peter McGowan, owner of the Giants, is a very successful local businessman who is dedicated to bringing a World Series Championship to the city.
He demonstrated his resolve to win with a couple of notable signings before the start of the 2007 season.
To begin with, McGowan signed Barry Bonds to a one-year, $18 million contract.
Bonds, it will be recalled, was once a perennial Triple Crown Threat, baseball parlance for a player with the ability to lead the league in batting average, runs batted in, and home runs.
However, Bonds is nearly 43 years old and is starting to act his age. The Triple Threat he represents these days is a coaltion of arthritis, uncontrolled drooling, and dementia.
Still, McGowan acted in good faith with Bonds and Giants fans by bringing the slugger back, hoping that Bonds would have enough left to drive the Giants to a World Series Crown while also surpassing Henry Aaron's career home-run record.
Having already shelled out $18 million for a 43-year-old with gimpy knees and attitude, McGowan shocked baseball when he signed left-handed starting pitcher Barry Zito to a whopping $126 million dollar contract covering a seven-year term.
Zito had been a superstar success story for McGowan's cross-Bay rivals the Oakland As, making the Zito catch all the more satisfying. Clearly, McGowan was going for the gold in what will probably be the last year for Barry Bonds, and the addition of Zito was seen as the clincher.
Unfortunately for McGowan and the Giants, the Barry boys are not exactly setting the world on fire. Barry Bonds is hitting well below .300, has just 14 home runs so far, and is no longer feared by opposing managers and hurlers.
Meanwhile, for the third consecutive game, Barry Zito was ineffective and now sports a non-spectacular 6-8 record, along with a bloated earn run average.
The failure by Barry and Barry are showing in the league standings as well: The Giants are now in sole possession of last place and are 11.5 games behind the division leaders. They have lost seven consecutive games, and are flying home to host the fearsome New York Yankees.
The San Francisco Giants record for consecutive losses stands at ten. That record looks to be under duress this weekend when the Bronx Bombers invade AT&T Park.
A personal note to Peter McGowan:
Peter, I know it must be driving you mad to shell out so much money for so little in return. Next time you are in the market for someone to lose more games than he wins, give me a call.
I ain't nearly as young or pretty as Zito, but I will damn sure work for less than $126 million!
John Lillpop
The San Francisco Giants have played here since 1958 and over that period, the team has never won a World Series championship.
In fact, there are more "conservative Republicans" in this liberal-infested city than "world champions." One is still greater than zero, after all.
Peter McGowan, owner of the Giants, is a very successful local businessman who is dedicated to bringing a World Series Championship to the city.
He demonstrated his resolve to win with a couple of notable signings before the start of the 2007 season.
To begin with, McGowan signed Barry Bonds to a one-year, $18 million contract.
Bonds, it will be recalled, was once a perennial Triple Crown Threat, baseball parlance for a player with the ability to lead the league in batting average, runs batted in, and home runs.
However, Bonds is nearly 43 years old and is starting to act his age. The Triple Threat he represents these days is a coaltion of arthritis, uncontrolled drooling, and dementia.
Still, McGowan acted in good faith with Bonds and Giants fans by bringing the slugger back, hoping that Bonds would have enough left to drive the Giants to a World Series Crown while also surpassing Henry Aaron's career home-run record.
Having already shelled out $18 million for a 43-year-old with gimpy knees and attitude, McGowan shocked baseball when he signed left-handed starting pitcher Barry Zito to a whopping $126 million dollar contract covering a seven-year term.
Zito had been a superstar success story for McGowan's cross-Bay rivals the Oakland As, making the Zito catch all the more satisfying. Clearly, McGowan was going for the gold in what will probably be the last year for Barry Bonds, and the addition of Zito was seen as the clincher.
Unfortunately for McGowan and the Giants, the Barry boys are not exactly setting the world on fire. Barry Bonds is hitting well below .300, has just 14 home runs so far, and is no longer feared by opposing managers and hurlers.
Meanwhile, for the third consecutive game, Barry Zito was ineffective and now sports a non-spectacular 6-8 record, along with a bloated earn run average.
The failure by Barry and Barry are showing in the league standings as well: The Giants are now in sole possession of last place and are 11.5 games behind the division leaders. They have lost seven consecutive games, and are flying home to host the fearsome New York Yankees.
The San Francisco Giants record for consecutive losses stands at ten. That record looks to be under duress this weekend when the Bronx Bombers invade AT&T Park.
A personal note to Peter McGowan:
Peter, I know it must be driving you mad to shell out so much money for so little in return. Next time you are in the market for someone to lose more games than he wins, give me a call.
I ain't nearly as young or pretty as Zito, but I will damn sure work for less than $126 million!
John Lillpop