Ryan Vogelsong signs another 1-year deal with San Francisco Giants

source: US Presswire, Bleacher Report

When the San Francisco Giants captured a third World Series title in five years, it's a given that the roster in October won't be the same roster in April 2015.

Two key players from the 2014 team, Michael Morse and Pablo Sandoval, have signed with new teams. Morse is now with the Miami Marlins. Sandoval signed with the Boston Red Sox.

Another player who became a free agent at the end of the 2014 season is pitcher Ryan Vogelsong. After the 2013 season, it took some time, but I knew the Giants would resign him.

I was pretty sure this wouldn't be the case in 2014. Just 3 days ago, it was reported Vogelsong would sign with the Houston Astros. Later that same day, I was relieved to read that Vogelsong's deal with the Astros fell through. This past Friday, Vogelsong signed a 1-year $4 million contract for 2015 to remain with the Giants.

Whew.

I've been a big Ryan Vogelsong fan since he rejoined the Giants in 2011 (San Francisco drafted him in the 5th round in 1998). His promotion to the starting rotation came at a very low point in my life (heartbroken and unemployed). It was then I read a moving, poignant article written by San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler (June 9, 2011), "Ryan Vogelsong's long, strange trip to SF Giants".

I cried when I read it then. It still makes me cry when I read it now. Mostly because I found Ryan's persistence, resilience and loyalty finally got him back to where he started.

Yes, there are arguments that Vogelsong's game isn't what it was in 2011 and 2012. His 2014 post season (no-decisions in 3 starts) was far from his stellar outings in 2012 (3-0 - see October 21, 2012 blog entry). But the team's run production was achingly low during his starts. Plus, in the 7 post season games he started, the Giants have won them all.

As of this writing, the Giants pitching rotation isn't set in stone, which is why the Giants resigned Vogelsong. Matt Cain and Tim Hudson will be returning from surgery. Tim Lincecum's last 3 seasons have lacked consistency. As it was in 2011, Vogelsong may not begin 2015 as a starter. And he's OK with that.

From being drafted in 1998 to 2 World Series titles in 2012 and 2014, I'd be OK with that too.

Nike's Championship Poster - Ohio State Buckeyes

source: SBNation, @Lynna_Lai, Twitter

They called you lucky.

They called you undeserving.

They called your conference weak and your team untested.

They called the other teams a dynasty, the favorite. Unbeatable.

They called your ranking disputable and surprising.

They called you a fourth seed, if that.

They called you an underdog.

But now they call you something else.

Subjective Women's Sizing

Top: Leader Jacket, size L, Bottom: Ice Jacket, size XL

I'll be perfectly blunt. I am a huge sucker for San Francisco Giants clothing.

Especially when the Giants win a World Series. My wallet got even busier when the Giants won their third World Series in five years.

To add to that, less rent to pay at my new place and return to full-time work at nearly the same salary as my last job made me an extra large Tootsie Pop.

I am, however, infuriated that I had to return online clothing 3 times because of inconsistent sizing for many of their women's T-shirts and jackets. In my opinion, most women's clothing at the MLB store are designed as Edna E. Mode would put it, "poofy stick things".

I haven't ever been a poofy stick thing.

The best example: the leader jacket at the top of the photo was bought in person at the Giants Dugout Store in a size large. Because this size fit well, I figured it'd be a no-brainer to order online from the MLB Store the Ice Jacket (for the 3-time World Series Champions logo) in the same size and clothing manufacturer, Antigua.

It didn't turn out that way. The arms and jacket length fit OK, but the chest was snug. I could zip it all the way up but felt any sudden moves would have resulted in a broken zipper or ripped seam. I returned the Ice Jacket and reordered it in a size Extra Large. It turned out to be a much better fit.

I've been fortunate my clothing size since high school has been, give or take 1-2 sizes, the same. But it's subjective sizing like this that fuels the inferiority complex American women have had about their body image for many years.

ESPN anchor Stuart Scott, 1965-2015

source: Twitter

For anyone who's a sports fan, we all were saddened to hear longtime ESPN anchor Stuart Scott died today at the age of 49.

When Stuart first appeared on ESPN in 1993, I was one of those who found his style too brash. But as the years went on, he grew on me.

For me, Stuart and Chris Berman are synonymous with the "E" in Entertainment Sports Programming Network.

Stuart's death hit hard many of his friends and colleagues, particularly former SportsCenter co-anchor Rich Eisen and current ESPN anchor Hannah Storm.

Rest in peace, Stuart. You'll always be as cool as the other side of the pillow.

If you haven't already seen it, ESPN aired a wonderful tribute to Stuart. Former ESPN anchor Robin Roberts narrates.