Bay Area Buzz 10/18: Giants-Royals, 49ers Injuries, Raiders Injuries
Bay Area Topics
Giants-Royals
"The champagne soaked-San Francisco Giants have overcome adverse odds and several cataclysmic injuries to reach familiar territory. The Giants are National League champions for the third time in five years, but the latest version of their unpredictable run to postseason glory has yet to reach a conclusion. Their epic 6-3 pennant-clinching win prospered an uproar of pure euphoria throughout AT&T Park as unlikely hero Travis Ishikawa rounded the bases, but a casual demeanor reigned in the clubhouse shortly thereafter, much unlike the Kansas City Royals’ eclectic methods of celebration after winning their first pennant in 29 years.The 2014 World Series is billed as “dynasty vs. destiny,” but this isn’t a seven-game fight that pits David against Goliath. The Giants and Royals are evenly matched, adding intrigue to a Fall Classic that flaunts two teams who thrive in pressure-packed situations. Kansas City is not a prototypical American League club, despite bashing their way to baseball’s championship series with an explosion of clutch home runs. The Royals play small ball, like the Giants.The biggest advantage the Royals hold over the Giants lies in the speed department. But the list of clear-cut advantages ends there for Kansas City. The Royals are like the Giants in that they don’t commit mistakes. They simply don’t beat themselves, and that’s the way it should be. It’s also something the Giants aren’t accustomed to this postseason. San Francisco’s ability to frequently put the ball in play has often yielded positive results. Taking advantage of mistakes is a staple of Giants postseason baseball. It’s also something they likely won’t see much of against Kansas City.The Royals have yet to lose a game this postseason, reeling off eight straight wins to bulldoze their way into relevancy. It’s distinctly unlikely for Kansas City to steamroll over a Giants team that has an impressive championship pedigree, but the Royals flat out believe that they can win. Their swag is currently untouchable, but the Giants can change that in a hurry."
–John Shea, Around the Foghorn
49ers Injuries
"The San Francisco 49ers will head into Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos without several key players. Head coach Jim Harbaugh met with the media on Friday, and he provided some specific injury news. He said Mike Iupati is likely out because he is still symptomatic, and there are not enough days left to get through the concussion protocol. Additionally, he said Patrick Willis is doubtful or out for Sunday’s game as he is still wearing a boot for his toe. Jimmie Ward is a bit more of a question mark with his quadricep strain.The absence of Iupati means Joe Looney will be inserted into the starting lineup. There was no word on Anthony Davis, and I still think Jonathan Martin gets the start again.…The likely absence of Patrick Willis means Chris Borland is looking at his first career start."
Raiders Injuries
"Raiders defensive end Justin Tuck (knee) and fullback Marcel Reece (quad) both practiced for the first time this week on Friday. I asked coach Tony Sparano if he was optimistic that both could play Sunday against the Cardinals.“Based on what I saw today watching them out there today, I thought they did some good things,” Sparano said. “I’d be curious to see what happens tomorrow when they get in here, but we’ll play that one by ear. But (I’m) cautiously optimistic.”Both starters are listed as questionable on the injury report. C.J. Wilson and Jamize Olawale, respectively, would start if the veterans couldn’t go."