I think once the ball got rolling during the NLDS though, we were all convinced that the Giants would take these playoffs and make them their bitch.
It's been the story all three times-- unfolding differently, yet the same. They just get rolling, the pitching shows up when it needs to, and the rest is history.
Of our three World Championships though, this one was the least expected, and the closest contested. Sure 2012 required multiple massive comebacks in the NLDS vs. Cincinnati and the NLCS vs. St. Louis, but the World Series was a 4-0 breeze against Detroit.
There were no such breezes in 2014. In fact, it was nothing but a strong and steady headwind.
The way in which this team ground out series wins one after the other, how they won big games on the road, and how they bounced back after tough losses was nothing short of incredible.
The way this mix of young and experienced players gelled together and turned this into another winner was unexpected, and a joy to watch.
Between Bruce Bochy's steady hand, Panda's consistency, and all the clutch plays-- Ishi's NLCS Walkoff, Panik's insane double play, Morse's unexpected contributions... it's just hard to put it all into words. But hey, that's October for ya.
This cute Colorado isn't worthy of Madbum. |
High enough praise for him? Probably not.
Just like his World Series MVP present, the mid-sized Chevy Colorado. It could never be enough.
This is a metaphor for Bumgarner. Ford or Ram work too. |
If Bum is the truck, Bochy's driving, Pence is the fuel, Panda is the dual heavy duty batteries, and Buster is the tires. The rest of the players make up various parts, and Hunter Strickland is in the trailer passed out drunk and being carried along as dead weight. But enough of all that nonsense.
We'll all remember each World Series title for different things. For obvious reasons, nothing will top the feeling we got for the 2010 title. The delirium and euphoria of the first time could never be replicated. 2012 was the one we all got to enjoy, the icing on the cake. 2014 will forever be etched as the title that clinched the Dynasty-- the Madison Bumgarner World Series; the "House Money" run that no one expected. It is as unique and beautiful as the other two.
I can say that no matter what happens for the rest of my life as a Giants fan, that my life was made-- THREE TIMES-- and no one can ever take that away. Even if they never sniff another title as long as I live, I'm satisfied.
But I'll always want more. Let's do it again.
Pretty good blog, especially your earlier stuff on the Pablo situation and his agents.
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