Aubrey Huff’s Blog. First Entry Here.
Here’s the first entry from Aubrey. We will post his player blog information very soon.
Leading Off…
What better day to start my blog than after the most exciting game of the season?
I’ve never been in a playoff game, but I imagine that’s what it feels like. And I’ve never been in this kind of rivalry. I knew Giants-Dodgers was big, but I had no idea how big because all you hear back east is Yankees-Red Sox 24/7 on ESPN. It is definitely intense – I think the fans are even more into than the players, to be honest. You had 50,000 fans yelling against us last night. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a louder chorus of boos than when the Dodgers made the third out of the ninth. It was awesome.
It wasn’t just that we won. It was HOW we won. We battled back in a way I’m not sure we could have done a month ago. Now we’ve won 11 of the last 13, and we know exactly why. Not only has our starting pitching established dominance again (with Timmy’s struggles last night an aberration), but our offense is so much better. I don’t think anyone expected us to be doing what we’re doing now offensively.
Pablo is looking so much more comfortable at the plate since the break. Torres is the sparkplug. I can’t say enough about what he’s done – a huge hit again last night. He brings energy into the dugout and clubhouse. (And he’s a sweet guy. He probably says hi me nine times a day.)
Posey – what can you say about this guy? He’s smart, he makes adjustments, and he’s levelheaded. He’s never going to be a big ego, a guy with the fist pumping and pointing. He’s already got a veteran’s mentality with his approach at the plate and catching behind the plate.
Sanchez is great little No. 2 hitter who really changes the dynamic of the lineup.
And I’m feeling good at the plate. I know people are making a big deal about the year I’m having but I’ve had good years in the past. I just had them in Baltimore and Tampa Bay and nobody cared.
It was tough not being the lineup last night. It’s probably harder to watch a game like that than to play in it. Bochy figured if he was going to give me a day off, it made sense to do it when Kershaw was pitching. He’s so tough against left-handers. I knew Bochy was likely to call on me as a pinch-hitter at some point, so after about four innings I was getting loose on a stationary bike in the clubhouse and so watched part of game on TV.
But I was in the dugout when Kershaw hit Aaron Rowand. It was a weird thing to hit him when they were up by only one run. That got us fired up a little bit. That got us going. I know fans sometimes have questions about these unwritten rules, like when it’s bad form for a pitcher to throw at a hitter, or when a hitter is justified in going after the pitcher. When Kemp took a few steps toward Timmy, that made no sense because obviously Tim was struggling and wasn’t trying to hit him. We were all a little jumpy right there, waiting to see what was going to happen. And Bautista definitely wasn’t trying to hit Russell Martin. But by then, though, the Dodgers are all fired up because we’re making a comeback.
So then Kershaw hits Rowand. We’re getting a little hot in the dugout, but Rowand just walks to first because it was a “good” hit-by-pitch. Kershaw hit him in the right place. He wasn’t going for his head. He hit him in the leg. Now, I imagine, it’s all over and done with. They got their retaliation shot in, and that’s it.
The thing that’s so important about this game is that it was a real team win. You had Rowand dropping a sacrifice bunt. Burrell with the big fly to left (that Paul dropped). Torres with his two-run double. Pablo with his double down the line. Posey with an RBI single. The relievers were great, with Affeldt closing it out.
In the clubhouse afterward, everyone was just telling everyone else what a great job they did. It was just a big moral victory, coming back like that with their best guy on the mound. I was thinking about how some teams might have slipped into a funk after having a game stolen from them the way we did over the weekend. But we didn’t let it affect us. Now we’re on the verge of sweeping the Dodgers. Once you have two wins, you don’t want just to win the series. You want the sweep.
I thought last night about what Bengie said to us on the bus when he found out he had been traded and was saying goodbye: “You guys have something special.”
After playing on such awful teams for most of my career, I can’t tell you how happy I am to playing for San Francisco.
Hope you enjoy the blog. Not sure how often I’ll post. But send me your questions. Happy to answer them if I can.
See you next time.
mlblogssfgiants1
Huff Daddy! You are the man.
I always tell my buddies I’d love to have a beer with you.
Thanks for the blog entry Aubrey. Im sure i speak for all Giants fans when I say I am so happy you are playing for us. You are a true professional out on the field and I just wanted to thank you for the hard work youve put in.
Huff Daddy:
Enjoyed the blog, you guys are a lot of fun to watch and play the game the right way. Tell Sabes to pull his head out and bring Bowker back up. Does that count as a question?
Wuddup Huff Daddy? Welcome to the blogosphere. If you get a chance, check out my blog, http://www.22gigantes.com. It’s all about you and your teammates. OK, carry on, dude. Kick some Dodger ***.
Mr. Huff,
You’re playing great, so happy to have you as a Giant! Here’s my question: How comfortable are you playing the outfield now? What would you say are your strenghs and weaknesses in that position? How long did it take you to get comfortable out there? What’s your favorite thing about that position? Thanks! Keep up the good work!
Hi Aubrey,
Great blog, I look forward to reading more in the future. I am very glad to have you on the team, and my 8 year old son is one of your biggest fans! I have a question for you – when you’re up to bat and the crowd is really loud, either cheering or booing, does it affect your concentration or your swing at all?
Keep up the great work and GO GIANTS!!
Thanks,
Sofia
Aubrey,
I have had more fun so far this season watching you play for the Giants than any other current player. What you have brought to the Giants is great. Keep up the blog posts!
p.s. Last Saturday, on the 17th 3 of my friends and I painted our chests to say “HUFF” out next to the visitor’s bullpen in right field where you were playing that night. We tried to get your attention in between innings but I dont think you saw us did you?
Mr. Huff, you’ve got the Touch.
We Giants fans are SO happy that you are on this team! Keep doing what you’re doing.
Pleased to see your take on the games and read your thoughts. It’s been a great season and I’m looking forward to a strong second half of the season. Just out of curiosity, what fans do you like messing with the most?
-Captain Duh.
One Question for you Huff Daddy,
You keep hitting 3rd or 4th in the lineup, swapping spots with Posey. Which spot do you prefer hitting and why?
-BerkeleyBoy
Aubrey, you are the man- let’s have a beer.
Mr. Huff,
My husband has taken a great liking to you. He’s recently disabled (survived a stroke) and retired. He follows the Giants daily.
I am the daughter of a print journalist who worked as a sports writer for the old S.F. Examiner back in the day when the Giants came to San Francisco.
I like your writing. Have you thought of writing for a living after the wheels give out? Keep it in mind. Sports writers are the best of the best.
Sincerely,
Mary
Love you Huff Daddy!
Hi Aubrey, Just wanted to let you know that it is a joy to watch you play. Your reactions in the dugout are great, you really seem to enjoy playing. Thanks.
Hi Aubrey!!
Wow, great first post! Thanks for sharing some of your thoughts with us, I’m really looking forward to reading more from you. I love the way you play, it’s clear that you love the game and put all your effort into it. Thanks for all the contributions you’ve made to the Giants this year, and I sure hope you finally get your chance to make a difference in the postseason! See you at the ballpark! 
–Lauren
Hi Aubrey! Thanks for the post..nicely said and very candid. Also, thanks for signing my shirt the other day even though I was clearly not under the age requirement! Made my day
Thank you for the warm and authentic blog–loved reading it! We are thrilled to have you as part of the Giants’ team this year.
I am curious as to what ballpark you enjoy playing at (other than AT and T park, obviously!) and why you like that specific park.
Thanks,
Marsha
Just don’t let those Bums’ bleacher fans bug you. Like Bonds did, just ignore them. It drives them nuts; well, more nuts than they already are.
-Thanks for Blogging Aubrey Huff, and welcome to the WestCoast. You seem to have marked your territory with the SF Giants. You should definitely ask for a more money haha ~kidding. I’m sure theres no cost that could top Livin’ Da Dream.
-NOTE: ESPN is a bias network; they love their Spankees like Seven Eleven’s 24/7 Process goods. Perhaps you should call your buddies out in the woods (East), and tell them to go out more lol oh and don’t forget to mention that we make Iphones G4 in the BayArea (Am I braggin? lol)
-THOUGHTS: Giants Vs Dodgers Showdown on Tuesday night was one the weirdest game ever. Timmy struggling with throws was painful for me to watch. I wanted to throw him a couple of advils and give the rest to Rowand (poor guy). But at the end, the team who played fair and square won!
Anyway, I’m happy that you are part of the TEAM; SF GIANTS BABEE!
Question: Are you the only player who knows how to write? haha ~kidding!
Well Play ball, and thanks for blogging!
Hit A Home Run for me
Huff, Glad to see you’ll be blogging. It’s been a real joy watching you play, your professionalism really shows. A good solid player is always fun to watch. And on another note, what girl wouldn’t want to watch a good looking fellow like you. I loved it when you said you are “sneaky ripped”.
Seriously though, we’re glad to have you aboard.
Thanks,
S. Ray
What do you think of San Francisco weather?
HUFF IS TUFF.
Thank you.
* Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings about the exciting game yesterday.
* Thank you for playing so well. Detroit is a tough park to figure out, so I was hoping you would revert to 2008 form.
* Thank you for your humor. I love your humor, and look forward to seeing quotes from you. I will definitely read your blog regularly. But don’t let it distract you from playing your brand of baseball. You’ve given us hope that we can go deep into the playoffs, with you, Posey, and Sandoval in the middle. Plus, of course, our superlative pitching.
* Please stay for more seasons. I know it’s a two way street, but I just wanted to let you know that you have the support of the Giants fans, I’ve seen nothing but positives about you, and why not, you have been good, then great, from the get-go.
* For my question, I would like to know what your expectations were when you signed with us, and whether they have been met, exceeded, or not there yet.
http://obsessivegiantscompulsive.blogspot.com/
OMG! Thanx Aubrey 4 sharing with your fans!
For me, this it’s the first time that a read a MLB blog and I felt almost like being there!
You all are the best! My best wishes Giants!!!!
XOXO
Ubrey – Looking forward to reading more from the clubhouse.
As a LL Batting coach, I _just_ have to get this out to Pablo. From the left side he’s leaning into the pitches and his back foot is sliding out. Major, but easily correctable mechanical breakdowns. IF you guys work on it, his results will be back to the panda levels of past.
Thanks for the platform – we’re HUGE fans out here in the East Bay.
Hey thanks Aubrey for the blog. It’s cool to get this “inside the dugout kind of perspective on things. Particularly the HBP last night. I still can’t figure out why the dodgers got so worked up about it. I guess they were tired of losing and it looked like they were going to again. Anyway, Hope you are back next season. not just with the Blog either!
http://intheshadowofbonds.blogspot.com/
Aubrey! I am so excited to see you will be blogging about the Giants. I wonder if you really understand how many THOUSANDS of fans you have out here already. Everywhere I go people are talking about you. Just bring up your name, and every Giants fan I talk to says the same 4 words, “I LOVE THAT GUY!”. If you could walk around the ballpark or sit in the stands, you would really understand how much you are appreciated. WHEN you resign with the Giants, I’m going to petition them to rename Triples Alley to AUBREY’S ALLEY!
Glad to have you as a Giant Aubrey! We needed your Bat in the Lineup!
Nice blog big brother!! I’m sitting at work reading this blog and you are cracking me up. I love that you have so many fans backing you. Keep blogging it gives me something to read at work
Huff Daddy! I’m so glad you are a Giant. It is so much fun to watch you play. Terrific blog, keep it up! (And just ignore the Dodger fans.)
Hey Aubrey, thanks for the post. You always have such interesting things to say during post-game, this is great to hear what’s on your mind. You’re one of my favorite Giants right now, always entertaining at the plate, hustling that last 90 and athelete-of-the-year in the outfield.
Aubrey,
I can’t even begin to say how much I enjoy watching you play. I am only 17, but i have been a giants fan for as long as i can remember, because my dad was born and raised in SF. While i do not live in SF, i watch every giants game, and i cant get over how much you have helped this team. One thing that i have noticed is the great times that all you guys seem to have in the dugout, regardless of what the situation is on the field. I’ve noticed other teams during games, and no one even seems to come close to the energy that you guys always put into the game. Every time the camera flashes over there, it seems as if You ,Torres or Sandoval is cracking some joke and everyone is loving it. What is it that makes this team more than a group of guys just playing to get through the game, rather than enjoying themselves? By the way, you and Torres are my two favorite Giants. You seem to have a great attitude and Torres and I share the same last name. Oh, and tell Wilson that his mowhawk is awesome! Go Giants!!
I understand several readers are hoping the “Huff and Puff” nickname goes away, but just like “Kung Fu Panda” they signify special performances as a Giants (yours just more on camera). I wonder what is appropriate for you to sign for me. Already have two Pablo-signed copies of the Kung Fu Panda movie (plus my youngest got interested in learning Kung Fu itself). Matt Cain signed a pair of Mizuno batting gloves for me at a Mizuno event (and I have a pair which I’ve worn for a dozen years, mostly as driving gloves now).
Pablo has Panda Express as a sponsor. I wonder if Roaring Camp would sponsor you. As a shareholder, I could bug them…
Hey Aubrey — GREAT post! Love your writing style and your insight to the game and the team. Sure glad you’re on our team. Nice tip of the hat to Bengie too. He was a good Giant and we’ll miss him.
Looking forward to a great rest of the season. Keep up the good work and stay healthy! We’ll need you in the playoffs!
GO GIANTS!
So glad to have you on the team man. Keep having fun, and sign on for another 5 years!
Huff, so great to be able to read a blog from you! I live on the East Coast and know exactly what you mean about ESPN. (I’ve actually complained to them about it.) Anyway, it is so nice to get to read your blog and get some good Giants info. I was able to go to a game when you guys played the Nationals. It was so much fun, and I look forward to seeing you guys back on this side of the country as soon as I can! You’re playing great, and I love watching you at bat. Look forward to hearing more from you!
You’ve just what the Giants were looking for, a veteran who loves the game and gives it all he’s got. And a leader who takes the game but not himself seriously. A guy with a knack for taking it to the opposing team just when you’re wondering if we’re gonna fold. Hope you’ll be with us for many years to come. Hey, here’s a question, don’t you think we oughta just go with the personnel we got this year and stop the frantic search for another bat or arm?
You’ve just what the Giants were looking for, a veteran who loves the game and gives it all he’s got. And a leader who takes the game but not himself seriously. A guy with a knack for taking it to the opposing team just when you’re wondering if we’re gonna fold. Hope you’ll be with us for many years to come. Hey, here’s a question, don’t you think we oughta just go with the personnel we got this year and stop the frantic search for another bat or arm?
You are a wonderful and welcome addition to our Gmen! I love your calm and patient approach at the plate! I loved that leaping catch and landing at first for the out! Priceless! Error-free and clutch! My fellow season ticket holder/neighbor and I quietly chant “O-bray..let’s go, O-bray!” in our West Coast attempt at a Texas accent! Thanks for an already memorable season! So, my question to you: why was Purge tossing dirt on your foot when you were in the batter’s box? Were you aware? Was it a joke between friends? Isn’t that catcher’s interference? Thanks again for so much baseball fun! Another fan of “the best athlete on the field” (Gospel according to Kruk-n-Kuip!) Robin in section 213 (give us a wave!)
Aubrey what up Pimp! Thanks for laying it on the line and producing more excitement than an Extenz commercial..Giants aren’t afraid to be themselves cause I tell ya everyone else is already taken..Team of Character and completely flying under the radar.. Good that’s the way I like it …Silent But Deadly ! Keep your swagger it does us orange and black well! Just a head’s up Gigantes but has anyone heard B-Wills interview after All Star Game on ESPN All Night with Jason Smith in his Audio Archives now…absolute classic stuff.. you will not be disappointed… Look it up easy to locate.. Peace!
Sincerely,
The Giants Win the Pennant (pre-mature but not crazy this I know! )
Oops…I meant “Pudge” (as in Ivan Rodriguez!), not PuRge! (so did you play with Pudge at some point in your MLB life? or is the dirt-tossing a common but unspoken ritual among rivals?)
signed – IamCurious-Orange!
Hey mr. Huff,
Thank you for all you’ve done for our franchise. You guys are not only NL contenders but world series contenders. See you on Tuesday at the yard. The giants this year are the best in a decade and you’re a huge part of it.
-Dan
Hey Aubrey…
Sometimes the root,and reason for this game, is overshadowed by the business end of the game. For this reason I’ll just say, you’ve made this year a great one to be a fan of the Giants. Thanks for everything you’ve brought to the team, it’s been a blast.
Mark
Aurbey, you are on a team that had a huge hole last season. Giants fans really appreciate your presence. Your consistent swing makes Giants fans really jump for joy. You will be noticed here in San Francisco, we Giantsfans will make people care about your good year! The Giants family are happy to have you!
Huffieeeeeeeeee!
Thank you man! It has been your charisma and attitude that have played (oh yeah, 19 dingers and and 60 ribs as well!) a major part of this teams success so far. Your ability and willingness to play wherever Boch needs you is so cool. You are fast becoming one of the most loved Giants players ever, at least to one long time fan, (47years) who watches you every night on his computer at home here in Montana. I hope that you will consider remaining with the Giants because management would be out of their minds to ever let you go! Keep raking and playing great D buddy! Looking forward to the playoffs this year!
This far down the list I’m not sure if you’ll ever get this, but hey it’s worth a shot. I’ve been a fan ever since you got the inside the park HR, and in the first EVER giants game I went to I got to see you hit splash HR number 52. You don’t disappoint for me so far. Thanks for your efforts so far for the giants. I’ll be back at the yard again on the 29th for the marlins game where posey will hopefully tie the rookie hitting streak. I know it’s not likely but could ya hit splash hit #53? lol a bit of a selfish request but if my first ever 2 giants games both had splash hits that would just be amazing. Anyways if you ever managed to actually read this thanks for your time. Keep that hitting streak up!!!
Hey fans,
You are leaving comments for Aubrey Huff in the wrong place! Try this one: http://aubreyhuff.mlblogs.com/.
Hey Aubrey! Nice hearing from you, your a pretty good writer. Me.. not so much.
Hope to hear more from you after this series! Saturday’s game was awesome. Beat LA! ? Nikki
HUFF DADDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are such an amazing player and such an awesome person. You’re a great writer too. I love to hear your perspectives on everything and all of your great stories. You’ve already become a fan favorite at AT&T Park. Good luck for the rest of the season!!!! We love you Huffy!!!!!!!!!!
Bellz
Hey Aubrey Huff! You are so graceful for a professional ball player! I’ve noticed you always do a second or two of fancy footwork after swinging at a pitch – pure poetry in motion. I’m wondering: Have you ever taken any professional dance lessons – perhaps ballroom or something along those lines?? You’re beautiful!! I love you man! Go Giants!!
Zoe (aka Sally)
Hey Aubrey,
I am very glad you are playing with the Giants and at (most of the time) 1st base this year. What BIG shoes to fill at that position! I am a native of SF but living in SD right now, but I am able to watch most games on MLB.com. What really impresses me about this year’s team (and you as well) is that the “egos” are not present and the “fun-Giants” are. It really looks like the team is having fun and supporting each other, no matter what the outcome of the day’s game. I certainly hope that you are back with the team in 2011. The Giants need a veteran player like you.
Sheri
Hi Aubrey Huff!!!
I just wanted to tell you that my mom and I are die hard Giants fans and always have been (my mom for 50 years now) and you’re my favorite Giant
It probably won’t happen, but I really wish one day i’ll get to meet you!!
Anyways, I can’t wait for next season, i’ll be sporting your jersey at games!
Go Huff!!
-Alyssa
Hi Aubrey Huff!!!
I just wanted to tell you that my mom and I are die hard Giants fans and always have been (my mom for 50 years now) and you’re my favorite Giant
It probably won’t happen, but I really wish one day i’ll get to meet you!!
Anyways, I can’t wait for next season, i’ll be sporting your jersey at games!
-Alyssa T.
Congratulations on winning.