[French Rage]

Unless Buster is hurt more than  they are letting on (which I hope is not true) they will send  him back after Sunday.  Webb down so he can get a start in Sac during ASB and build up arm.  He will be back up when they need a 5th starter.

They are taking no chances with Posey’s health.  They conducted additional tests during the week to make certain it is nothing more (easy for me to say) than a contusion.  By backdating his trip to the IL, he will be eligible to come off the list next Friday when play resumes.  

And Webb will not miss a start.  He will be eligible to return the Tuesday after the break and will probably start that night v. LA.  

Zaidi is a master of juggling the team’s personnel……

Friday nights game was one of my favorites of the year. Lot of action, balls in play.  I love watching Crawford play SS. The diving stop to start the DP was a great play.  His turn, the quickness of the exchange and perfect rifle throw on the DP with bases loaded was even better.

He is moving up the MVP candidate list.  If the Giants stay in the hunt for a divisional title, he will receive a lot of votes.

And they've already secured series W over the Nats.  Nice!

One helluva "first half" of the season for the Gyros.

And normally, I'm not big on uniform gimmicks; however, I find the White and Orange G unis very sharp.  (Of course, I also like the Orange Friday unis and the all black tops).  Maybe I am big on uniform gimmicks . . .

I did not like them.  Needs more orange if it is going to work, and that's still a big if.  (Also did the orange look a bit red in certain light?)  I'm the opposite, though, not big on gimmicks; have a home and away and that's it.

[French Rage]

Unless Buster is hurt more than  they are letting on (which I hope is not true) they will send  him back after Sunday.  Webb down so he can get a start in Sac during ASB and build up arm.  He will be back up when they need a 5th starter.

They are taking no chances with Posey’s health.  They conducted additional tests during the week to make certain it is nothing more (easy for me to say) than a contusion.  By backdating his trip to the IL, he will be eligible to come off the list next Friday when play resumes.  

And Webb will not miss a start.  He will be eligible to return the Tuesday after the break and will probably start that night v. LA.  

Zaidi is a master of juggling the team’s personnel……

Friday nights game was one of my favorites of the year. Lot of action, balls in play.  I love watching Crawford play SS. The diving stop to start the DP was a great play.  His turn, the quickness of the exchange and perfect rifle throw on the DP with bases loaded was even better.

He is moving up the MVP candidate list.  If the Giants stay in the hunt for a divisional title, he will receive a lot of votes.

And they've already secured series W over the Nats.  Nice!

One helluva "first half" of the season for the Gyros.

And normally, I'm not big on uniform gimmicks; however, I find the White and Orange G unis very sharp.  (Of course, I also like the Orange Friday unis and the all black tops).  Maybe I am big on uniform gimmicks . . .

I did not like them.  Needs more orange if it is going to work, and that's still a big if.  (Also did the orange look a bit red in certain light?)  I'm the opposite, though, not big on gimmicks; have a home and away and that's it.

[BostonCard]

Ugh

BC

[BostonCard]

Ugh

BC

[Phogge]

Does Orange Julius still exist?

[Phogge]

Does Orange Julius still exist?

[BobK]

One in Fresno.

[BobK]

One in Fresno.

[Leftcoast]

The Giants are entering the all star break with the best record in baseball, leading the league in home runs, Gausman may be the best pitcher in baseball not named Degrom, and their minor league call-ups are looking good. Plus 3 games up on the increasingly fragile Dodgers and 6 up on the shaky Padres.

So have they convinced any of this board’s doubters yet?

[Leftcoast]

The Giants are entering the all star break with the best record in baseball, leading the league in home runs, Gausman may be the best pitcher in baseball not named Degrom, and their minor league call-ups are looking good. Plus 3 games up on the increasingly fragile Dodgers and 6 up on the shaky Padres.

So have they convinced any of this board’s doubters yet?

[lex24]

The Giants are entering the all star break with the best record in baseball, leading the league in home runs, Gausman may be the best pitcher in baseball not named Degrom, and their minor league call-ups are looking good.  Plus 3 games up on the increasingly fragile Dodgers and 6 up on the shaky Padres.

So have they convinced any of this board’s doubters yet?

Two up on Dodgers. 

What do you mean by doubters?  I don’t the Giants will finish within 5 games of the Dodgers. In the end the talent gap is too wide.  But before the season, I didn’t think they’d finish within 15.

I’m beginning to think they have a shot of finishing higher than the Pads. But their 10 games in the last 19 will probably decide that.

Giants have wildly exceeded my expectations.  I just remember 2016 too well.

---

One in Fresno.

But it’s not the same without the raw egg!

[lex24]

The Giants are entering the all star break with the best record in baseball, leading the league in home runs, Gausman may be the best pitcher in baseball not named Degrom, and their minor league call-ups are looking good.  Plus 3 games up on the increasingly fragile Dodgers and 6 up on the shaky Padres.

So have they convinced any of this board’s doubters yet?

Two up on Dodgers. 

What do you mean by doubters?  I don’t the Giants will finish within 5 games of the Dodgers. In the end the talent gap is too wide.  But before the season, I didn’t think they’d finish within 15.

I’m beginning to think they have a shot of finishing higher than the Pads. But their 10 games in the last 19 will probably decide that.

Giants have wildly exceeded my expectations.  I just remember 2016 too well.

---

One in Fresno.

But it’s not the same without the raw egg!

[DC 86]

Giants first round pick (#14 overall) in the amateur draft: Will Bednar, RHP from CWS champion Mississippi State. Started the season as a reliever and finished as their top starter.

[DC 86]

Giants first round pick (#14 overall) in the amateur draft: Will Bednar, RHP from CWS champion Mississippi State. Started the season as a reliever and finished as their top starter.

[BobK]

https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/...ll-bednar/

---

14 Ks 2 walks per 9 innings this season at Mississippi State

[BobK]

https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/...ll-bednar/

---

14 Ks 2 walks per 9 innings this season at Mississippi State

[lex24]

Check out no 14 since 2000.  Not many have made it.  Crapshoot to say the least.

[lex24]

Check out no 14 since 2000.  Not many have made it.  Crapshoot to say the least.

[Leftcoast]

Perhaps fans see the Giants flaws too clearly and minimize the flaws of their challengers.

For instance the Dodgers pitching is weakened with Kershaw on the IL and Bauer probably lost for the season.  Their line-up hasn't lived up to expectation - stats looks similar to the Giants in the first half (HR: SF 132, LAD 123; Runs: SF 441, LAD 476;  OPS: SF 764, LAD 759) with a slight edge to the Giants.  It's not clear they should be viewed as the favorite based upon first half results (vs preseason expectation) and if Kershaw remains hobbled, I like the Giants chances.

Not all agree.  The Dodgers remain the betting line favorite to win the NL West but the gap is closing.

If you are an unbiased fan the NL second half pennant race will be fun to watch.  I'm not unbiased, the two days I hope to celebrate every year is the day the Giants clinch and (with equal glee) the day the Dodgers are eliminated.  (Didn't get either last year!)

[Leftcoast]

Perhaps fans see the Giants flaws too clearly and minimize the flaws of their challengers.

For instance the Dodgers pitching is weakened with Kershaw on the IL and Bauer probably lost for the season.  Their line-up hasn't lived up to expectation - stats looks similar to the Giants in the first half (HR: SF 132, LAD 123; Runs: SF 441, LAD 476;  OPS: SF 764, LAD 759) with a slight edge to the Giants.  It's not clear they should be viewed as the favorite based upon first half results (vs preseason expectation) and if Kershaw remains hobbled, I like the Giants chances.

Not all agree.  The Dodgers remain the betting line favorite to win the NL West but the gap is closing.

If you are an unbiased fan the NL second half pennant race will be fun to watch.  I'm not unbiased, the two days I hope to celebrate every year is the day the Giants clinch and (with equal glee) the day the Dodgers are eliminated.  (Didn't get either last year!)

[BobK]

No question fans know their own team far more than others.
Joe Morgan’s HR eliminating the Dodgers in 1982 still a thrill

It’s going to be a fun ride an unexpected fun ride

As for our draft choice the 14 pick history shouldn’t matter. Sadly the Giant first round picks the past decade and their success or lack of does. It’s not great

[BobK]

No question fans know their own team far more than others.
Joe Morgan’s HR eliminating the Dodgers in 1982 still a thrill

It’s going to be a fun ride an unexpected fun ride

As for our draft choice the 14 pick history shouldn’t matter. Sadly the Giant first round picks the past decade and their success or lack of does. It’s not great

[lex24]

Perhaps fans see the Giants flaws too clearly and minimize the flaws of their challengers.

For instance the Dodgers pitching is weakened with Kershaw on the IL and Bauer probably lost for the season.  Their line-up hasn't lived up to expectation - stats looks similar to the Giants in the first half (HR: SF 132, LAD 123; Runs: SF 441, LAD 476;  OPS: SF 764, LAD 759) with a slight edge to the Giants.  It's not clear they should be viewed as the favorite based upon first half results (vs preseason expectation) and if Kershaw remains hobbled, I like the Giants chances.

Not all agree.  The Dodgers remain the betting line favorite to win the NL West but the gap is closing.

If you are an unbiased fan the NL second half pennant race will be fun to watch.  I'm not unbiased, the two days I hope to celebrate every year is the day the Giants clinch and (with equal glee) the day the Dodgers are eliminated.  (Didn't get either last year!)

Kershaw is supposedly ok.  He should be back soon.  Bauer - my guess is he’s done for the year. Biggest difference to me over 162 is pitching and experience. I truly hope you are right. But I remain somewhat skeptical

[lex24]

Perhaps fans see the Giants flaws too clearly and minimize the flaws of their challengers.

For instance the Dodgers pitching is weakened with Kershaw on the IL and Bauer probably lost for the season.  Their line-up hasn't lived up to expectation - stats looks similar to the Giants in the first half (HR: SF 132, LAD 123; Runs: SF 441, LAD 476;  OPS: SF 764, LAD 759) with a slight edge to the Giants.  It's not clear they should be viewed as the favorite based upon first half results (vs preseason expectation) and if Kershaw remains hobbled, I like the Giants chances.

Not all agree.  The Dodgers remain the betting line favorite to win the NL West but the gap is closing.

If you are an unbiased fan the NL second half pennant race will be fun to watch.  I'm not unbiased, the two days I hope to celebrate every year is the day the Giants clinch and (with equal glee) the day the Dodgers are eliminated.  (Didn't get either last year!)

Kershaw is supposedly ok.  He should be back soon.  Bauer - my guess is he’s done for the year. Biggest difference to me over 162 is pitching and experience. I truly hope you are right. But I remain somewhat skeptical

[Phogge]

Whenever we have that junkie lunch remind me to tell you guys about our wire on Lasorda in the Morgan game.

[Phogge]

Whenever we have that junkie lunch remind me to tell you guys about our wire on Lasorda in the Morgan game.

[Mick]

(Also did the orange look a bit red in certain light?)  

Blood orange...

---

No question fans know their own team far more than others.   
Joe Morgan’s HR eliminating the Dodgers in 1982 still a thrill

Stanford's own Brian Johnson with a walkoff HR in the bottom of the 12th to vault the Giants into a tie with the Dodgers in 1987.  First division win in 16 years.

[Mick]

(Also did the orange look a bit red in certain light?)  

Blood orange...

---

No question fans know their own team far more than others.   
Joe Morgan’s HR eliminating the Dodgers in 1982 still a thrill

Stanford's own Brian Johnson with a walkoff HR in the bottom of the 12th to vault the Giants into a tie with the Dodgers in 1987.  First division win in 16 years.

[Giants]

Somewhere J.T.Snow is smiling - Darren Baker was selected in the 10th Round by the Nationals.  

Good luck to Dusty’s kid…….

[Giants]

Somewhere J.T.Snow is smiling - Darren Baker was selected in the 10th Round by the Nationals.  

Good luck to Dusty’s kid…….

[Mick]

Was just looking at the SFG ten draft selections.  No Stanford players, one Cal player.  Top nine are pitchers.  

Can't get too exercised about the draft.  Usually get one really decent player out of it.

In Farhan we trust, I suppose.  For example, take the 2011 draft.  Joe Panik was their top pick, solid player and one-time all star, batted over .300 until injuries beat him up too much.  #2 pick Kyle Crick has pitched in long relief for Pittsburgh for four years.  #3 Andrew Susac had one really good year for the Giants, then injuries.  #4-#6 never made the bigs.  #7 was Josh Osich, durable long reliever, rookie year for Giants was great, then he fell off (still playing for Cincy).  Has played for five teams in the last four years.  #8 Ray Black, throws 100 mph, control issues, 5.53 ERA, out of baseball for two years.
 
BTW, the Athletic FINALLY ranked the Giants as the #1 team in baseball – and the Giants have had the best record in baseball since May 31, had the best record as early as May 3.

[Mick]

Was just looking at the SFG ten draft selections.  No Stanford players, one Cal player.  Top nine are pitchers.  

Can't get too exercised about the draft.  Usually get one really decent player out of it.

In Farhan we trust, I suppose.  For example, take the 2011 draft.  Joe Panik was their top pick, solid player and one-time all star, batted over .300 until injuries beat him up too much.  #2 pick Kyle Crick has pitched in long relief for Pittsburgh for four years.  #3 Andrew Susac had one really good year for the Giants, then injuries.  #4-#6 never made the bigs.  #7 was Josh Osich, durable long reliever, rookie year for Giants was great, then he fell off (still playing for Cincy).  Has played for five teams in the last four years.  #8 Ray Black, throws 100 mph, control issues, 5.53 ERA, out of baseball for two years.
 
BTW, the Athletic FINALLY ranked the Giants as the #1 team in baseball – and the Giants have had the best record in baseball since May 31, had the best record as early as May 3.

[BobK]

Thanks for the update Appreciate you looking up where the draft choices are today.

[BobK]

Thanks for the update Appreciate you looking up where the draft choices are today.

[Phogge]

I bet Hank Greenburg would hit 85 homers if he was in his prime today.

[Phogge]

I bet Hank Greenburg would hit 85 homers if he was in his prime today.

[lex24]

Ugh

BC

They look better after going 3-0 in them…..

[lex24]

Ugh

BC

They look better after going 3-0 in them…..

[BostonCard]

BTW, the Athletic FINALLY ranked the Giants as the #1 team in baseball – and the Giants have had the best record in baseball since May 31, had the best record as early as May 3.

I think the term you are looking for is "strong priors".  For what it is worth, Fivethirtyeight's Elo rankings have the Giants eighth:

https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/202...edictions/

But they are explicit that each game moves the needle very little, and the Giants started as a below-average team.  You can see the team's tragectory here:

https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/202...ns/giants/

Giants are currently projecte second in the Division with a 91% chance to make the playoffs.

BC

[BostonCard]

BTW, the Athletic FINALLY ranked the Giants as the #1 team in baseball – and the Giants have had the best record in baseball since May 31, had the best record as early as May 3.

I think the term you are looking for is "strong priors".  For what it is worth, Fivethirtyeight's Elo rankings have the Giants eighth:

https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/202...edictions/

But they are explicit that each game moves the needle very little, and the Giants started as a below-average team.  You can see the team's tragectory here:

https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/202...ns/giants/

Giants are currently projecte second in the Division with a 91% chance to make the playoffs.

BC