Slow news day for the Giants, it might have something to do with the whole “not making the postseason” thing. I thought I’d share some quick thoughts and links.

There’s a lively discussion on Pedro Feliz over at El Lefty Malo’s. Go check it out, lots of great opinions on Pedro Feliz and how to fill the void that is third base. Pedro always seems to divide Giants fans. You either love him, or hate him. He’s a great defender, but I think its time for him to go.

Rotoworld has just posted their ’08 NL Projected Lineups. Tread lightly Giants fans, because this alternate future is grim. I’ll highlight the interesting parts.

Check it out:

LF Scott Podsednik
SS David Eckstein
RF Randy Winn
CF Andruw Jones
3B Casey Blake
C Bengie Molina
1B Jeff Clement/Rich Aurilia
2B Jose Lopez

Barry Zito
Matt Cain
Tim Lincecum
Odalis Perez (!!)
Kevin Correia/Jonathan Sanchez

Brian Wilson
Brad Hennessey
Randy Messenger

A team that includes David Eckstein AND Scott Podsednik is cursed. That’s the only way to explain such a combination of ultimate suckiness. Just remember, that the projected lineups are basically one guys wacky assumptions of what the Giants might do, not necessarily what they will do. You can read all the authors reasons for the lineup if you follow the link. I took a photograph of myself after looking at the lineup, I hope my face isn’t stuck this way forever.

I’ve enjoyed the playoffs so far, watching teams like the Rockies and Indians do well is a welcome surprise after the Giants ’08 season. As far as rooting interests go, here’s my list. Indians, Rockies, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Red Sox, Angels, and Yankees. The 12-3 beating that the Indians handed out last night was great. I’ve always been interested in the Indians since they landed Matt Williams in 1997. They’ve been something of my adopted AL team. There’s also some other Giants ties with the Indians, Robby Thompson has worked in the Indians front office since 2003. Little know fact, after 1996 season the Tribe invited Thompson to spring training, but he ended up retiring. The Indians are just a fun team to watch. They’ve got a lot of young talent and I’ve always been a fan of Mark Shapiro’s GM-skills.

Even if they are NL West rivals, the D-Backs and Rockies have played great this postseason. Both teams are up 2-0 on their respective opponents. The NL West has experienced a turn-around of good teams. I remember it was just a few years ago when we called it the NL Worst, but the Rockies, Padres, D-Backs, and Rockies have all experienced huge growth spurts, transforming them into respectable teams. Hopefully the Giants will be able to experience the same thing soon. I’m personally rooting for a Rockies/Indians World Series, just to ruffle some national sports journalism feathers.

The game coverage on TBS has been a mixed bag. I really don’t like Joe Simpson, his calls are just so lifeless and boring. If you had a device attached to Joe Simpson that measured excitement, when Kaz Matsui hit a grandslam in Game 2 against the Phillies, the needle wouldn’t have even budged. I will give props to TBS for bringing in Steve Stone, who’s one of the best baseball analysts around. He’s always very intelligent and knowledgeable, a truly skilled broadcaster. It was nostalgic to hear former Giants broadcaster, Ted Robinson do games again. More Stone and Robinson, and less Joe Simpson please.