TortureCast (SF Giants Podcast)
364 episodes - English - Latest episode: 24 days ago - ★★★★★ - 33 ratingsA podcast by and for fans of the San Francisco Giants
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Episodes
Episode #160: Cody Bellinger has More Homeruns than the Giants
April 08, 2019 00:00 - 50 seconds - 74.1 MBIn episode #160, Chad and Eric have a lot to discuss. The Giants are 10 games into the 2019 season, and although they haven't been swept, they also haven't won a series, going 3-7 in that span and dwelling in the cellar in the NL West. The pitching has been excellent, in fact, 2nd best in the NL, but their offense is non-existent. They have averaged only 2.5 runs per game and are hitting .207 overall. Cody Bellinger has more homeruns (7) than all of the Giants (6). We also talk about...
Episode #159: 2019 (late) Season Preview
April 01, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 99.1 MBChad and Eric host our annual season preview episode a little bit late...well, after 4 games into the season, but there is a good reason for that. Chad had the flu one week, then was traveling for work, then last week was having the experience of a lifetime, diving 2 miles under the ocean in the historic Alvin submarine, exploring a recently discovered "octopus garden" near an extinct underwater volcano while the BBC broadcast all this live back to the UK for their "Blue Planet Live"...
Episode #158: Struck out on Harper
March 04, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 86.6 MBChad and Eric reconvene after the #Harperwatch ended last week. The Giants were once again the bridesmaid after Harper said no and took the rose from the Phillies. But, we talk about the reasons why he stayed in the NL East, and why it could have been a prohibitive contract for the Giants, especially if they aren't going to be competitive for a few years. We also talk about the start of spring, the crowded outfield and pen, starting rotation possibilities, Bochy's retirement announc...
Episode #157: Deja vu
January 31, 2019 00:00 - 102 MBThis is the second time we recorded episode #157 (first version in November was eaten by my dog...I think), but we are back to get you ready for the upcoming season. Eric and I talk about what moves have occurred with the Giants' new head of baseball operations (not much), the passing of two Giants greats, the current outfield market, potential trades, the Hall of Fame results, and our Super Bowl predictions. It's great to be back in the podcast saddle again! www.torturecast.com @t...
Episode #156: We're Doing it LIVE!
October 02, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 94.1 MBChad and Eric wrap up the Giants' poor season in episode 156 discussing their worst month in franchise history, going 5-21 and plunging 16 games below .500 after they were at .500 on August 31. Hunter Pence's lasting speech was uplifting after the Giants got trounced 15-0 by LA. We also lament about the fact that the Giants could have forced LA into a wild card game if they could've won one stinking game over the weekend. We also preview the playoffs, give our picks, and choose our ...
Episode #155: Coming Down the Stretch
September 24, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 85.8 MBThe Giants finished their abysmal road record at 31-50 after losing their final four roadies (1 in SD, 3 in StL). It marks only the 6th time the Giants have lost 50 or more games on the road and the first time they've done that in consecutive seasons since 1984-85. At least they're guaranteed of a winning home record (they are standing at 41 wins). Eric and Chad review the week on the road, a monumental bomb off the bat of Hunter Pence, the possibility that GM Bobby Evans might be r...
Episode #154: 11 is Enough
September 17, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 104 MBThe Giants lost 11 in a row for the first time since 1951. They have now established a SF record for consecutive losses, beating 1985 and 1996 (10 games). At least the 1902 and 1944 NY Giants can rest assured that their losing streak records are intact. The Giants ended up beating the Rockies 2 out of 3 games and honestly, could have swept. Dereck Rodriguez had hist 10th game giving up 2 or fewer runs ending in a loss or no decision. Chad and Eric talk about the last week, the losi...
Episode #153: Giants May Never Win Again
September 10, 2018 00:00 - 56 minutes - 77.6 MBYes, that show title is hyperbole. But, the Giants have lost 8 in a row, plunging them to 8 games under .500 and 11 games back in the West. They were swept in Colorado and Milwaukee, making it their first winless 6 game road trip since 2015. Although their pitching hasn't been horrible, the pen and starting pitching is choosing bad spots to fail. Their hitting, or lack thereof, is the main culprit. The difference between their home (+9) and road (-17) records is astounding. Ryder Jo...
Episode #152: Apparently the Giants Have Given Up
September 06, 2018 00:00 - 48 minutes - 66.9 MBLet's face it. The Giants were already out of the playoff race, but they are cementing that destiny by losing 5 in a row. They are a season-high 5 games under .500 and 10 games back of the Rockies. The only silver lining about getting swept in Colorado is that it kept the Dodgers from taking first place. Eric and Chad discuss the last 9 games and where the Giants go from here. They called up their prospects, Aramis Garcia and Chris Shaw did get their first big league hits and homeru...
Episode #151: Buster's Hip Surgery and more
August 27, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 119 MBWith special guest, Ryan Leong (@ryanleong), Chad and Eric discuss the last two weeks of the Giants' season and realize, like even the Giants' brass, that this season will not end in the playoffs. At 65-67 and 8 games back with 30 games to play, the Giants probably just need to play the youngsters. Also, Buster Posey had hip surgery today and will miss the rest of the season and be out 6-8 months, hopefully ready in time for the 2019 season with more power to contribute from his legs...
Episode #150: #25 is Retired
August 13, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 127 MBEric and Chad talk about Barry Bonds' #25 being retired (Willie Mays' and Barry Bonds' speeches are at the end of the podcast) and all of our memories watching him as fans before we started this podcast. We also review the split of a four game series with the Pirates and focus on the emerging star of Dereck Rodriguez, whose name, if you Google it, still comes up with his dad's picture first (Pudge)! The Giants need to play with some sense of urgency right now. Sitting 6 games back o...
Episode #149: Playoff Chances are on Life Support
August 09, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 89.2 MBTwo weeks ago we talked about the Giants' dwindling playoff chances and how they needed to reel off a streak of near-historic proportions to get back in the race. It hasn't happened in the last two weeks. Going 5-7 in those two weeks with some late heart-breakers against the Astros has all but put a nail in the coffin for the Giants playoff hopes. MLB rates them at a 2.2% chance of getting into the dance. When you look at their current deficit at 6.5 games behind Arizona, you can p...
Episode #148: Are the Giants Buyers or Sellers?
July 26, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 108 MBThe Giants have not been too bad, but they haven't been great at all. They are 3-5 since we last recorded and are slipping in the standings, now in 4th place, 4.5 games behind the Dodgers, needing to leap three teams in the NL West. Things aren't great. Things aren't horrible. Things are just...meh. Chad and Eric catch up on the Giants over the last two weeks, with series against Oakland and Seattle, with the All Star game in between. Posey, Cutch, Belt and Crawford have been woeful...
Episode #147: Walk-offs! Walk-offs! Walk-offs!
July 12, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 121 MBThe Giants took the rubber game of a three game set with the Cubs with a 13th inning walk-off hit by Buster Posey. This was the second walk-off in the series and the eighth walk-off of the year, which leads all of baseball. Chad and Eric chat about the current homestand, Crawford and Posey's selections to the All-Star game, the timely pitching of Dereck Rodriguez and Suarez, the return of Johnny Cueto, the trade of Gearrin and Jackson, more trade rumors and more! Friend of the show...
Episode #146: Giants are Surging
July 02, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 101 MBThe surging Giants just completed a 3 game sweep of the division-leading Diamondbacks in Arizona behind timely hitting and phenomenal pitching from their staff. All told, the Giants have won 10 of their last 12 and find themselves only 2 1/2 back of Arizona in a virtual tie with the Dodgers. After the final 3 games on this road trip in Colorado, the Giants return home once again for 10 games before the All-Star break. The Giants currently have the best home record in the NL, so home ...
Episode #145: Giants Refuse to Quit
June 22, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 127 MBWe've had a string of real-life incidents get in the way of recording the last 3+ weeks, including Memorial Day, the death of Chad's dog, Eric's car breaking down, and a hair appointment (long story). Alas, Eric and Chad get back together to talk about what we've missed and where the Giants are. They are .500, 4 games back, and quite frankly, in a position to win the west, now that they have MadBum, Panik, Williamson, Hanson, Melancon and others back on the roster. That said, they're...
Episode #144: Have a Week, Brandons
May 22, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 95.5 MBBrandon Belt was just named NL player of the week. Belt hit .444 with 5 HRs for the week, and is now in the top 5 of most offensive categories in the NL and is an MVP candidate at this point. So, suck it, Belt haters. Brandon Crawford has raised his average from .189 on May 1 to .302 by hitting well over .500 in the month of May. He credits his turnaround to Panda and Blanco, who noted that he used to have his hands set a little higher, just mere inches. Low and behold he checked th...
Episode #143: It Could Be Worse
May 14, 2018 00:00 - 30 minutes - 41.7 MBHow could losing 6 out of 7 be worse? Well, if the rest of the NL West played well, that's how. The Giants, coming off a sweep of Atlanta, were only 4 games back of division-leading Arizona. Although they went on to lose 6 out of 7 this week, they find themselves only 4.5 games out. Arizona got swept, LA got swept, Colorado didn't play very well. So, at 20-21, the Giants return home to face the Reds in a critical series to stay in the hunt until MadBum and Cueto can return to aid thi...
Episode #142: How Sweep it is!
May 07, 2018 00:00 - 57 minutes - 78.5 MBThe Giants are hotlanta right now after sweeping the young, first place Braves to start off their 10 game road trip. The Giants have won 4 in a row, 5 series in a row, 7 of 8, and 11 of 14. Their record stands at 19-15, 4 games back of the division-leading Diamondbacks. Chad and Eric discuss their .417 average with runners in scoring position over the weekend, the great pitching, Johnny Cueto's elbow, kicking the tires on Matt Harvey, who's hot and not, injuries and more. We like to ...
Episode #141: To .500 and Beyond!
May 04, 2018 00:00 - 49 minutes - 67.7 MBThe Giants wrapped up the week with a 5-2 record as a part of a 7-3 homestand, propelling them above .500 for the first time this season. Chad and Eric talk about the hot offense, Panda's perfect inning, who's hot and who's not, and injuries. Speaking of which, we might be saddled with bad news regarding Johnny Cueto. Although he's seeking second opinions about his UCL, it could mean Tommy John surgery. The Giants are off for a 10 game road trip, and have 18 road games in May, vs. ...
Episode #140: Belt Hate
April 27, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 104 MBJust to be clear, we do not hate Brandon Belt, but we know that many Giants' fans do, and we are perplexed. Chad and Eric talk about that along with the week in review, who's hot or not, a little lineup reconstruction, the return of the Mac, and much more. torturecast.com @torturecast facebook.com/torturecast
Episode #139: RIP RISP
April 17, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 84.9 MBThis is a week that you just wanna punch right in the face and forget about. It was a rough weekend bender, at best. Giants go 2-5, but the worst of it coming on the backend, losing three straight to the lowly Padres. Eric noted that after the Giants went 9-0 against San Diego in the first half of 2016, they are 10-23 since, and haven't won a series against them during that time. The Giants continue to have the worst batting average with runners in scoring position, a lowly .158, d...
Episode #138: Cutch Saves the Day!
April 09, 2018 00:00 - 45 minutes - 62.2 MBAlthough it's been a week since we last recorded, the Giants only played 4 games, thanks to off days and a rainout. They went 2-2 last week, splitting 2 game series each with the Mariners and Dodgers, but the Dodgers series was dramatic! The Giants blew a lead late to force extra innings, and actually went down 5-4 in the 14th before Andrew McCutchen launched the most memorable hit of this young season, a 3 run homer to win the game. He also went 6-7, the first time a SF Giant had 6 ...
Episode #137: Giants Split in LA...somehow
April 03, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 96.2 MBIf you told us that the Giants were going to start the season without MadBum, Shark, and Melancon, yet split the first four games of the year in LA, we'd take that in an instant. We'd be even more flabbergasted if you told us that the Giants would be outscored 14-2 but STILL WIN 2 GAMES. Thank you, Joe Panik! His two solo shots in two consecutive games off of Kershaw and Jansen may have single-handedly prevented the Giants from being swept. That said, winning the first two games of ...
Episode #136: 2018 Season Preview
March 27, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 96.8 MBIt's our annual season preview! In this 7th preview in total, the gang has all been pretty close in guessing the Giants' win totals...until last year. With all of us ranging between 84 and 92 wins, we were more than 20 games off. That said, no one predicted that the Giants would lose 98. Taking that into consideration with this year's injuries, we have the biggest range in our hosting history, with Chad going low with 76 wins, Willie just behind at 79, and Eric piling on the unico...
Episode #135: Cuts So Deep
March 20, 2018 00:00 - 54 minutes - 75.3 MBSpring training has merely a week left, and Chad and Eric talk about the second round of cut the Giants made, and how the Giants are near the top of every offensive category! (but, maybe not so much on pitching). MadBum is raking, AT&T Park is rated #1 by Forbes, and the season starts in LA in 10 DAYS! Join us for a fun episode...spring is almost over! torturecast.com facebook.com/torturecast twitter.com/torturecast
Episode #134: Spring has Sprung!
March 01, 2018 00:00 - 44 minutes - 60.9 MBWe last left you before Media Day, before pitchers and catchers reported, before Tony Watson and Derek Holland were signed. And man, does everything seem positive right now! There was a profound sense of positivity at Media Day, where I got interviews with Evan Longoria, Brandon Belt, and Brandon Crawford, along with group interviews with Andrew McCutchen and Bruce Bochy. But...I buy into it. This isn't your typical response from a team that lost 98 games last year. They truly think...
Interview with Andrew McCutchen
February 10, 2018 00:00 - 19 minutes - 27.3 MBChad attended SF Giants' Media Day at AT&T Park where a group of reporters huddled around newly acquired outfielder Andrew McCutchen. "Cutch" as he is often called, talks about Roberto Clemente, how he got his number 22, and the similarities and differences between PNC and AT&T Park, among many other subjects. You can also view this interview on our YouTube channel torturecast.com @torturecast
Evan Longoria Interview
February 10, 2018 00:00 - 11 minutes - 15.4 MBChad sat down for a one on one interview with San Francisco Giants' new third baseman, Evan Longoria. Evan answers questions about his new home, the new ballpark, and the new fans. Look for additional interviews with Andrew McCutchen, Brandon Belt, Brandon Crawford and Bruce Bochy. torturecast.com @torturecast
Interview with Bruce Bochy
February 10, 2018 00:00 - 7 minutes - 9.66 MBThe ever-casual skipper, Bruce Bochy, commanded a group of reporters in a suite today at AT&T Park, where he talked about the "euphoria" he experienced when he found out the Giants had traded for Andrew McCutchen, among other great nuggets in this interview. torturecast.com @torturecast
Interview with Brandon Crawford
February 10, 2018 00:00 - 6 minutes - 8.85 MBChad sat down with Giants' shortstop Brandon Crawford to talk about what went wrong last season, and what he's looking forward to in the upcoming campaign, especially with the additions of Cutch and Longo. torturecast.com @torturecast
Interview with Brandon Belt
February 10, 2018 00:00 - 6 minutes - 8.92 MBChad sat down with Brandon Belt for a one-on-one discussion about his health status, pitch selection, and last year's disappointing season. Also, be sure to check out Chad's interviews with Evan Longoria and Brandon Crawford, and group interviews with Bruce Bochy and Andrew McCutchen. torturecast.com @torturecast
Episode #133: Pitchers and Catchers are Reporting...Soon!
February 09, 2018 00:00 - 46 minutes - 64 MBIt's true, the Giants' pitchers and catchers are reporting in less in a week. A few mere days until we can claim that we smell the fresh cut grass and hear the crack of the bat echo through our collective skulls. Until then, Eric and Chad talk about Barry Bonds' #25 being retired in August, despite not being the Hall of Fame (a Giant requisite for a retired number), the clash between the MLB players' association and MLB about the lack of free agent signings, Chad will be covering th...
Episode 131: Astros-Dodgers World Series Preview
February 07, 2018 00:00 - 57 minutes - 79.4 MBAck, the unthinkable has happened! The Dodgers are in the World Series! Listen to Eric and Chad break down their predictions. torturecast.com @torturecast facebook.com/torturecast
Episode #132: Hot Hot Stove: Longo and Cutch!
February 07, 2018 00:00 - 29 minutes - 39.8 MBIn episode 132, Eric and Chad talk about the big signing for the Giants this off-season. We also talk potential lineup options, pitching rotation, and Hall of Fame results. torturecast.com @torturecast facebook.com/torturecast
Episode #130: Free Fallin'
October 03, 2017 00:00 - 1 hour - 109 MBWhat a horrendous day. Just coming off the news from Puerto Rico, then comes the Vegas shooting and now Tom Petty. Let's talk about baseball, shall we? Chad, Eric and Willie reflect on the end of the 2017 season for the Giants, including what went wrong, how they may address it, Pablo's season-ending walk-off and how that affects the draft, and of course, Matt Cain's last start. Chad talks about covering Cain's last start and Eric shares a poignant moment he had with his father when...
Episode 129: It's Almost Over
September 26, 2017 00:00 - 1 hour - 94.5 MBChad and Eric wind down the season with a deep political discussion that some may not want to hear, but what the hell...they're close to 100 losses. www.torturecast.com www.facebook.com/torturecast www.twitter.com/torturecast
Episode #128: Baseball is great, but pray for Texas
August 29, 2017 00:00 - 1 hour - 104 MBAlthough we didn't dwell on the hurricane in Texas, we wanted to mention that thousands, if not more, people, are being severely affected by this storm. Please, donate money, pray, do whatever you can to help those in harm's way. As far as baseball, Chad and Eric reconnect with Ben to discuss recent developments in Giants-land from their earliest and official elimination from the West, being swept by Arizona, Kontos to the Pirates, Cain getting bombed...wait a minute, jeez, sounds l...
Episode #127: We Called This Episode 128
August 03, 2017 00:00 - 45 minutes - 62.8 MBSo, we lost track of the number. 127, 128...it's about the same difference as in Matt Moore's expected and real ERA. Speaking of Moore, we talk about the huge disappointment he's been, among other Giants. They are flirting with a 100 loss season, but are throwing in the towel with the youth movement, DFA'ing Connor Gillaspie, sending down Hwang, and calling up Suarez, Jones, Parker and others. If Beede and Arroyo weren't hurt, we just might have the RiverCats playing out the rest of...
Episode #126: Giants Honor America with a Six-Win Salute
July 04, 2017 00:00 - 48 minutes - 66.3 MBHappy birthday, America! To celebrate, the Giants have won six in a row, and have mystified some Giants' fans who seem to think "there's a chance" of making the playoffs. No. That's not going to happen. But, that's no reason to not celebrate this winning streak, the bullpen, and the timely hitting! I mean, even a guy who goes 1 for 10 with a homerun celebrates that dinger, right? Eric and Chad talk about what's gone right for the Giants, why they should trade Cueto, Posey's selec...
Episode #125: 1985 is Calling
June 20, 2017 00:00 - 1 hour - 99.3 MBHow do you record a podcast for a team that is 20 games under .500 and 20 games back before it's officially summer? You cry, you laugh, you commiserate. But, one thing is for certain, there is no stress in this season now, so put that in your pipe and smoke it! Chad, Ben, and Eric join in a proverbial IDGAF podcast to try and dissect what has gone wrong for the Giants this year. After tonight's 9-0 loss to the Braves, the Giants have a .361 winning percentage, and are on pace for 10...
Episode #124: Well, we thought it was turning around...
June 06, 2017 00:00 - 54 minutes - 74.3 MBWhen we recorded our last podcast two weeks ago, the Giants were 8-2 over their last 10 games, and had pulled within 6 games of .500, but it's all gone south since. Despite tonight's win in Milwaukee, the Giants have plummeted to the dredges of MLB with Philly and San Diego. They also lost 2 of 3 to Philly, which was the first series win for Philly in 5 WEEKS. Eric and Chad discuss their recent woes and now there are rumblings of being a "seller" for the first time since 2007-2008. ...
Episode #123: Are We There Yet?
May 23, 2017 00:00 - 1 hour - 88.7 MBNope. Not yet. The Giants are making great strides, winning 3 series in a row, and opening with a win in their 4 game series with Chicago. However, they still find themselves 9 games back of Colorado and in a precarious hole. That said, if they had been .500 or worse, their season really would've been over by now, or close to it. There is life. Not much, but it's something to build upon. Chad and Eric talk about where the Giants are more than a quarter of the way through the seaso...
Episode #122: Josh Osich's Mustache
May 16, 2017 00:00 - 1 hour - 96.6 MBBen returns to the podcast with Chad and Eric to discuss what may be the turnaround for the Giants' season. Sure, it's only a four-game winning streak, but they hadn't won more than two consecutive games all year. The pitching is settling in, and despite the injuries, the offense has shown some life over the last several days. Buster Freakin' Posey is showing how to put a team on his back, going on a homerun tear, catching a 17-inning game, and hitting a walk-off in said 17th. Cain h...
Episode #121: Can We Get a Do-over?
May 11, 2017 00:00 - 49 minutes - 68.1 MBBeing a Giants fan is tough right now. We've had it good over the last 7 years, but things are a-changing in 2017. The fact is, to get to 87 wins, a reasonable total to get the second wild card position, the Giants would have to play .591 ball the rest of the way, and only one team (Cubs) did that all of last year. Eric and Chad discuss this looming task, along with the poor performance of the team and players, aside from the likes of Posey, Panik and Arroyo. If the Giants want to ...
Episode #120: May the Morse be With You
April 27, 2017 00:00 - 1 hour - 87.1 MBWillie returns to the podcast to chat with Eric and Chad about the Giants' historic poor start. We still believe it's too early in the season to panic, but there are legitimate concerns, but there are also bright spots like Matt Cain, Christian Arroyo, Michael Morse, Buster Posey and Joe Panik. @torturecast facebook.com/torturecast torturecast.com
Episode #119: Jarrett Parker's Collarbone is the Giants
April 18, 2017 00:00 - 49 minutes - 68.1 MBWe thought they'd turn it around this week. They didn't. After a 2-4 week, the Giants sit in last place at 5-9, but we look at two seasons since 2000 when the Giants were worse (4-10) and both seasons they finished above .500. In 2000 they won 97 games and the west after starting 4-10. Ok, so we're looking for silver linings here. Eric and Chad discuss MadBum's winless start to the season, Cueto's 3-0 start, the bad luck, who's hot and who's not, if Cain should be skipped, Mar...
Episode #118: It Could be Worse
April 11, 2017 00:00 - 48 minutes - 66.3 MB3-5 is better than 1-5, 6, or 7, right? That's the barrel the Giants were looking down two days ago when they were 1-5 before winning the last two to make the internet of Giants fans a little less dreary. Eric and Chad open up our first regular season podcast of 2017 by discussing what went wrong (LF, bullpen), and what went right (Bum, Cueto, Moore, Panik, Crawford) over the first week of the season. Basically, the Giants have the worst left field offensive numbers by far, and the...
Episode #117: 2017 Season Preview
April 04, 2017 00:00 - 1 hour - 138 MBBesides the post-World Series victory podcasts, season previews are our favorite to record every year. Spring has sprung. Hope is effervescent. The Giants bullpen is...different. Chad, Ben and Eric talk about that catastrophic meltdown by Melancon in the 9th in their opening day loss to the Diamondbacks, but also reason why there is hope. Many of you responded to our query about how many games the Giants will win this year. Let's just say that many are out of the stratosphere, but ...
Episode #116: Spring has Sprung
March 03, 2017 00:00 - 1 hour - 91.1 MBBen, Eric and Chad get together to talk about the first couple of weeks of spring training, including the record number of players in camp, the competition for scarce infield and outfield positions, the fifth starter, the new closer, and of course, Hunter Pence's freshly shorn face. www.TortureCast.com Facebook.com/torturecast @torturecast