If you're a huge baseball Twitter fan, you've probably heard of Rob Friedman -- or @PitchingNinja as he's so widely known.
If you haven't heard of Friedman, you're in for a treat. He brings the fun back in sports media with his unique GIFs and hilarious commentary on twitter. But beyond that, he has a great eye for the guys on the bump.
In the winter doldrums -- as we wait for the Giants to make a significant offseason move -- we asked for his thoughts on his favorite Giants pitchers.
Both past and present Giants pitchers are highlighted thanks to Mr. Pitching Ninja with his own words on what is so special about these hurlers.
Johnny Cueto
Rob Friedman: "Yes, I know he's hurt, but he's always fun to watch. Between his creativity on the mound and his changeup, I'm always watching for something new and amazing."
Johnny Cueto, Filthy Disappearing Changeup. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/jvIEI3lmtg— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 26, 2018
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Johnny Cueto, Filthy 3 Pitch K Sequence to Ohtani (all changeups...2 quick pitches & a modified Tiant). 😷 pic.twitter.com/atnBU5tsEx— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 23, 2018
Johnny Cueto, 2 Pitch Sequence/Messing with Timing (Quick Pitch & 1 1/4 Tiant). pic.twitter.com/pfoWgWuDzV— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 29, 2018
Johnny Cueto, Tiant Windup and Quick Pitch, Overlay. pic.twitter.com/TbEMBtNdDa— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 11, 2018
Johnny Cueto, Changeup (HP view) pic.twitter.com/m2czgmtM2U— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 27, 2016
Madison Bumgarner
RF: "It's not just the fact that his mechanics mirror another Giants great (Hall of Famer Carl Hubbell)
Carl Hubbell and Madison Bumgarner. pic.twitter.com/mSfqh5DwlI— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) November 29, 2017
RF: "His cutter, ability to tunnel pitches ... and his toughness make him entertaining to GIF"
Madison Bumgarner pitcher-on-pitcher crime (91mph Fastball up and in...and then finished the AB with a slow curve).
👮♂️🚨🚔 pic.twitter.com/MzwgwR4r0d— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 24, 2018
Madison Bumgarner, 91mph Fastball and 79mph Curveball, Overlay/Slow pic.twitter.com/n6RVBnJIxl— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 7, 2018
Madison Bumgarner, Filthy 86mph Cutter. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/lUZC7v1J2u— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 11, 2018
RF: "Plus, MadBum had a legendary staredown with Joe West."
MadBum vs. Cowboy Joe. 👁️👁️ pic.twitter.com/2uYVWQLxWd— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) November 26, 2018
Reyes Moronta
RF: "His wicked slider, made by 2018 Filthiest Slider compilation. Enough said."
Reyes Moronta, Disgusting 83mph Slider. 🤮
Josh Bell's swing. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/QMymN0yeb5— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 12, 2018
RF: "And this slider was disgusting -- literally and figuratively. I apologize in advance."
Reyes Moronta, Disgusting...errr...Stuff. Literally. 🤧🤢🤮
h/t @danieljgerth pic.twitter.com/FdD7IG85SG— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 8, 2018
Ray Black
RF: "As my followers know, I'm a sucker for a dude who throws flames and has a filthy slider. And that's basically Ray Black."
Ray Black, 99mph Fastball.
Jon Jay 🤺⚔️ pic.twitter.com/bq4Wj3BZ25— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 5, 2018
Ray Black, painted 99mph Fastball, on the....black. 👨🎨🎨🖼️🖌️ pic.twitter.com/oWyEx0MheP— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 3, 2018
Mark Melancon
RF: "I'm always watching for his filthy knuckle curve and cutter."
Mark Melancon, Filthy 83mph Knuckle Curve (path). 🤢 pic.twitter.com/2xHLSB9Ka1— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 27, 2018
Mark Melancon, Wicked 84mph Knuckle Curve (home plate view). 😨 pic.twitter.com/BYLU1KDfGY— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 16, 2018
Newcomer: Pat Venditte
RF: "Because he's amphibious, and he's really Kyle Hendricks."
Pat Venditte, Sliders (LHP/RHP, overlay). pic.twitter.com/ecfJ3pUaZR— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 31, 2018
I still think "Pat Venditte" is an elaborate prank by Kyle Hendricks. pic.twitter.com/iBsmR0Lgiz— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) December 21, 2018
All-time Giants Pitcher: Tim Lincecum
RF: "Because he was 5'11," weighed like 78 pounds, and threw gas with off-the-charts secondary stuff."
Tim Lincecum, 97mph Fastball (home plate view). pic.twitter.com/2WVepDBLmx— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) November 21, 2018
Tim Lincecum, Changeups. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/DMfDrRpLCU— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) November 21, 2018
RF: "Tim was the most mobile guy on the planet -- we're talking circus freak stuff."
Tim Lincecum, Stretches/Mobility/Flexibility. pic.twitter.com/s0S9OqDQ7o— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) December 5, 2017
So while there isn't a ton of Hot Stove action heating up for the Giants, we can at least take this time to appreciate the pitching staff as currently stands. Plus, we got to take a trip down memory lane which is always a splendid thing.
Thanks once again to Rob Friedman for his time and his contributions to this article.