[Mick]

Giants have won 7 of 9 and have leapfrogged the Reds in the wild card race. The Pirates, Cardinals and Mets are still ahead of the Giants for the last W/C spot, currently held by the Diamondbacks. 

The Giants have an important 16 game stretch coming up. They start with a four game road trip against the Nationals (51-61) starting tonight, then a home stand against the Tigers (53-60) and the Braves (60-51). They have two games at the Coliseum against the A's (46-67) and three games against the White Sox (27-87). They can make up some significant ground if they can manage a 13-3 record in the next three weeks.

[Mick]

Giants have won 7 of 9 and have leapfrogged the Reds in the wild card race. The Pirates, Cardinals and Mets are still ahead of the Giants for the last W/C spot, currently held by the Diamondbacks. 

The Giants have an important 16 game stretch coming up. They start with a four game road trip against the Nationals (51-61) starting tonight, then a home stand against the Tigers (53-60) and the Braves (60-51). They have two games at the Coliseum against the A's (46-67) and three games against the White Sox (27-87). They can make up some significant ground if they can manage a 13-3 record in the next three weeks.

[skip75]

Giants have won 7 of 9 and have leapfrogged the Reds in the wild card race. The Pirates, Cardinals and Mets are still ahead of the Giants for the last W/C spot, currently held by the Diamondbacks. 

The Giants have an important 16 game stretch coming up. They start with a four game road trip against the Nationals (51-61) starting tonight, then a home stand against the Tigers (53-60) and the Braves (60-51). They have two games at the Coliseum against the A's (46-67) and three games against the White Sox (27-87). They can make up some significant ground if they can manage a 13-3 record in the next three weeks.

They really do need to take advantage of this part of the schedule. Beginning on August 23, they close out the season with eleven 3-game series: @ Seattle, Baltimore, & KC; home-&-home with Milwaukee, Arizona, & San Diego; and home vs. Miami & St.Louis.  All are play-off shoo-ins or contenders with better records that the Giants - except for lowly Miami.

[skip75]

Giants have won 7 of 9 and have leapfrogged the Reds in the wild card race. The Pirates, Cardinals and Mets are still ahead of the Giants for the last W/C spot, currently held by the Diamondbacks. 

The Giants have an important 16 game stretch coming up. They start with a four game road trip against the Nationals (51-61) starting tonight, then a home stand against the Tigers (53-60) and the Braves (60-51). They have two games at the Coliseum against the A's (46-67) and three games against the White Sox (27-87). They can make up some significant ground if they can manage a 13-3 record in the next three weeks.

They really do need to take advantage of this part of the schedule. Beginning on August 23, they close out the season with eleven 3-game series: @ Seattle, Baltimore, & KC; home-&-home with Milwaukee, Arizona, & San Diego; and home vs. Miami & St.Louis.  All are play-off shoo-ins or contenders with better records that the Giants - except for lowly Miami.

[Goose]

They really do need to take advantage of this part of the schedule. Beginning on August 23, they close out the season with eleven 3-game series: @ Seattle, Baltimore, & KC; home-&-home with Milwaukee, Arizona, & San Diego; and home vs. Miami & St.Louis.  All are play-off shoo-ins or contenders with better records that the Giants - except for lowly Miami.

Totally agree. The Giants need to be at a minimum in one of the three wild card spots (preferably not the lowest one) on August 23 if they have any hope of being in one at the end of the season. The only "good news" besides Miami in that group is that Arizona, San Diego ans St. Louis are direct competition for the wild card spots the Giants need to occupy. Pittsburgh is the only probable contender the Giants don't play during that stretch. If the Giants enter those series somewhat reasonably controlling their own destiny IMO that is all the fans can hope for at this point. The Giants aren't going to win three straight from any of those teams (and absolutely not all three of those teams), so they need at least a small cushion going in.

[Goose]

They really do need to take advantage of this part of the schedule. Beginning on August 23, they close out the season with eleven 3-game series: @ Seattle, Baltimore, & KC; home-&-home with Milwaukee, Arizona, & San Diego; and home vs. Miami & St.Louis.  All are play-off shoo-ins or contenders with better records that the Giants - except for lowly Miami.

Totally agree. The Giants need to be at a minimum in one of the three wild card spots (preferably not the lowest one) on August 23 if they have any hope of being in one at the end of the season. The only "good news" besides Miami in that group is that Arizona, San Diego ans St. Louis are direct competition for the wild card spots the Giants need to occupy. Pittsburgh is the only probable contender the Giants don't play during that stretch. If the Giants enter those series somewhat reasonably controlling their own destiny IMO that is all the fans can hope for at this point. The Giants aren't going to win three straight from any of those teams (and absolutely not all three of those teams), so they need at least a small cushion going in.

[Mick]

The starting pitching has come around, I suspect. I think the relief pitching will continue to do well.

As for the hitters...Fitzpatrick is crushing it. Wade is doing well. Chapman's heating up. Conforto, of all people, is heating up. Bailey is succeeding. Canha had a really hot start. That's six.

Yaz...we'll see. Encarnacion is a power X-factor, maybe better than Soler, maybe not. Matos...hopefully he can reproduce his early season success. Casey Schmitt? 700+ OPS, we'll see if he can keep it up.
 
Unfortunately, Wisely has regressed, and Ramos has a thumb injury. Those don't go away quickly or easily, they're worse than hamstrings in terms of reoccurrence and repair time.

We'll see. Next two weeks will be interesting.

[Mick]

The starting pitching has come around, I suspect. I think the relief pitching will continue to do well.

As for the hitters...Fitzpatrick is crushing it. Wade is doing well. Chapman's heating up. Conforto, of all people, is heating up. Bailey is succeeding. Canha had a really hot start. That's six.

Yaz...we'll see. Encarnacion is a power X-factor, maybe better than Soler, maybe not. Matos...hopefully he can reproduce his early season success. Casey Schmitt? 700+ OPS, we'll see if he can keep it up.
 
Unfortunately, Wisely has regressed, and Ramos has a thumb injury. Those don't go away quickly or easily, they're worse than hamstrings in terms of reoccurrence and repair time.

We'll see. Next two weeks will be interesting.

[cardcrimson]

500! Two HRs. Encarnacion with two hits. Webb with a strong outing. Bullpen really solid. Still, a big hole to dig out of, but progress against crappy teams. . . .

[cardcrimson]

500! Two HRs. Encarnacion with two hits. Webb with a strong outing. Bullpen really solid. Still, a big hole to dig out of, but progress against crappy teams. . . .

[Mick]

500! Two HRs. Encarnacion with two hits. Webb with a strong outing. Bullpen really solid. Still, a big hole to dig out of, but progress against crappy teams. . . .

Doval struck out the side in the ninth.

Giants are just 1/2 game behind Pittsburgh and St. Louis.

Not to be the wet blanket, but Ray, Chapman and Snell all have opt-outs next year.

[Mick]

500! Two HRs. Encarnacion with two hits. Webb with a strong outing. Bullpen really solid. Still, a big hole to dig out of, but progress against crappy teams. . . .

Doval struck out the side in the ninth.

Giants are just 1/2 game behind Pittsburgh and St. Louis.

Not to be the wet blanket, but Ray, Chapman and Snell all have opt-outs next year.

[Giants]

500! Two HRs. Encarnacion with two hits. Webb with a strong outing. Bullpen really solid. Still, a big hole to dig out of, but progress against crappy teams. . . .

Doval struck out the side in the ninth.

Giants are just 1/2 game behind Pittsburgh and St. Louis.

Not to be the wet blanket, but Ray, Chapman and Snell all have opt-outs next year.

I think Snell will opt-out (he certainly should).  Chapman and Ray?  No clue.

[Giants]

500! Two HRs. Encarnacion with two hits. Webb with a strong outing. Bullpen really solid. Still, a big hole to dig out of, but progress against crappy teams. . . .

Doval struck out the side in the ninth.

Giants are just 1/2 game behind Pittsburgh and St. Louis.

Not to be the wet blanket, but Ray, Chapman and Snell all have opt-outs next year.

I think Snell will opt-out (he certainly should).  Chapman and Ray?  No clue.

[Goose]

500! Two HRs. Encarnacion with two hits. Webb with a strong outing. Bullpen really solid. Still, a big hole to dig out of, but progress against crappy teams. . . .

Doval struck out the side in the ninth.

Giants are just 1/2 game behind Pittsburgh and St. Louis.

Not to be the wet blanket, but Ray, Chapman and Snell all have opt-outs next year.

I think Snell will opt-out (he certainly should).  Chapman and Ray?  No clue.

Obviously all of these guys were on "prove it" contracts and if they played well enough they were going to opt-out. The Giants knew that when they offered those contracts. In fact, in a perverse sort of way the Giants wanted all of them to have the kind of year that would justify opting-out :-). The Giants may hope that a good experience this year will give them a "home town discount" in negotiating with these guys if/when they do opt-out. To the extent that would be true, making the playoffs would undoubtedly help.

[Goose]

500! Two HRs. Encarnacion with two hits. Webb with a strong outing. Bullpen really solid. Still, a big hole to dig out of, but progress against crappy teams. . . .

Doval struck out the side in the ninth.

Giants are just 1/2 game behind Pittsburgh and St. Louis.

Not to be the wet blanket, but Ray, Chapman and Snell all have opt-outs next year.

I think Snell will opt-out (he certainly should).  Chapman and Ray?  No clue.

Obviously all of these guys were on "prove it" contracts and if they played well enough they were going to opt-out. The Giants knew that when they offered those contracts. In fact, in a perverse sort of way the Giants wanted all of them to have the kind of year that would justify opting-out :-). The Giants may hope that a good experience this year will give them a "home town discount" in negotiating with these guys if/when they do opt-out. To the extent that would be true, making the playoffs would undoubtedly help.

[Giants]

500! Two HRs. Encarnacion with two hits. Webb with a strong outing. Bullpen really solid. Still, a big hole to dig out of, but progress against crappy teams. . . .

Doval struck out the side in the ninth.

Giants are just 1/2 game behind Pittsburgh and St. Louis.

Not to be the wet blanket, but Ray, Chapman and Snell all have opt-outs next year.

I think Snell will opt-out (he certainly should).  Chapman and Ray?  No clue.

Obviously all of these guys were on "prove it" contracts and if they played well enough they were going to opt-out. The Giants knew that when they offered those contracts. In fact, in a perverse sort of way the Giants wanted all of them to have the kind of year that would justify opting-out :-). The Giants may hope that a good experience this year will give them a "home town discount" in negotiating with these guys if/when they do opt-out. To the extent that would be true, making the playoffs would undoubtedly help.

I am not aware of any Boras clients (Snell/Chapman) giving hometown discounts.  They generally squeeze every dollar they can from ownership.  Of course, we saw that approach backfire last off-season.

[Giants]

500! Two HRs. Encarnacion with two hits. Webb with a strong outing. Bullpen really solid. Still, a big hole to dig out of, but progress against crappy teams. . . .

Doval struck out the side in the ninth.

Giants are just 1/2 game behind Pittsburgh and St. Louis.

Not to be the wet blanket, but Ray, Chapman and Snell all have opt-outs next year.

I think Snell will opt-out (he certainly should).  Chapman and Ray?  No clue.

Obviously all of these guys were on "prove it" contracts and if they played well enough they were going to opt-out. The Giants knew that when they offered those contracts. In fact, in a perverse sort of way the Giants wanted all of them to have the kind of year that would justify opting-out :-). The Giants may hope that a good experience this year will give them a "home town discount" in negotiating with these guys if/when they do opt-out. To the extent that would be true, making the playoffs would undoubtedly help.

I am not aware of any Boras clients (Snell/Chapman) giving hometown discounts.  They generally squeeze every dollar they can from ownership.  Of course, we saw that approach backfire last off-season.

[Mick]

500! Two HRs. Encarnacion with two hits. Webb with a strong outing. Bullpen really solid. Still, a big hole to dig out of, but progress against crappy teams. . . .

Doval struck out the side in the ninth.

Giants are just 1/2 game behind Pittsburgh and St. Louis.

Not to be the wet blanket, but Ray, Chapman and Snell all have opt-outs next year.

I think Snell will opt-out (he certainly should).  Chapman and Ray?  No clue.

Obviously all of these guys were on "prove it" contracts and if they played well enough they were going to opt-out. The Giants knew that when they offered those contracts. In fact, in a perverse sort of way the Giants wanted all of them to have the kind of year that would justify opting-out :-). The Giants may hope that a good experience this year will give them a "home town discount" in negotiating with these guys if/when they do opt-out. To the extent that would be true, making the playoffs would undoubtedly help.

I am not aware of any Boras clients (Snell/Chapman) giving hometown discounts.  They generally squeeze every dollar they can from ownership.  Of course, we saw that approach backfire last off-season.

It seems to me that Boras' approach failed for his four main clients last year, including Chapman and Snell. Those two still use Boras, so does Cody Bellinger. Snell turned down six years, $150 mms. from the Yankees. Jordan Montgomery fired Boras and went with Wasserman. 

Chapman's having an excellent year, he might be the best 3B in baseball. 5.2 WAR, 47 extra base hits, .778 OPS, wizard in the field (he was GG last year), has played in 111 games. Interestingly, he's stolen 12 bases in 13 attempts. He's scored 78 runs, he could get 100, which he did in 2018 and 2019. Assuming he keeps it up, he'll opt out.

Bellinger has played 86 games, .753 OPS, 11 HRs. 1.3 WAR. He has a three year contract, $27.5 mms. I don't think he opts out in 2025, might in 2026 if he crushes it.

Jordan Montgomery's having a terrible year. 6.37 ERA, -1.4 WAR. He has a one year contract, so he'll be an FA.

Snell's...interesting. This year was a microcosm of his career. Often hurt, 1-3, 0.4 WAR, but starting to catch fire. Literally unhittable when he's on, but he's only had two great years in his nine year career. Still, the Giants have won four of his last five starts, and he always closes well. He's scheduled to have 10 more starts. If he finishes 9-1 to go 10-4 overall...maybe. That's a tall order, but not undoable.

Interesting article on whether Boras was right or not: https://www.essentiallysports.com/mlb-ba...ee-agency/

[Mick]

500! Two HRs. Encarnacion with two hits. Webb with a strong outing. Bullpen really solid. Still, a big hole to dig out of, but progress against crappy teams. . . .

Doval struck out the side in the ninth.

Giants are just 1/2 game behind Pittsburgh and St. Louis.

Not to be the wet blanket, but Ray, Chapman and Snell all have opt-outs next year.

I think Snell will opt-out (he certainly should).  Chapman and Ray?  No clue.

Obviously all of these guys were on "prove it" contracts and if they played well enough they were going to opt-out. The Giants knew that when they offered those contracts. In fact, in a perverse sort of way the Giants wanted all of them to have the kind of year that would justify opting-out :-). The Giants may hope that a good experience this year will give them a "home town discount" in negotiating with these guys if/when they do opt-out. To the extent that would be true, making the playoffs would undoubtedly help.

I am not aware of any Boras clients (Snell/Chapman) giving hometown discounts.  They generally squeeze every dollar they can from ownership.  Of course, we saw that approach backfire last off-season.

It seems to me that Boras' approach failed for his four main clients last year, including Chapman and Snell. Those two still use Boras, so does Cody Bellinger. Snell turned down six years, $150 mms. from the Yankees. Jordan Montgomery fired Boras and went with Wasserman. 

Chapman's having an excellent year, he might be the best 3B in baseball. 5.2 WAR, 47 extra base hits, .778 OPS, wizard in the field (he was GG last year), has played in 111 games. Interestingly, he's stolen 12 bases in 13 attempts. He's scored 78 runs, he could get 100, which he did in 2018 and 2019. Assuming he keeps it up, he'll opt out.

Bellinger has played 86 games, .753 OPS, 11 HRs. 1.3 WAR. He has a three year contract, $27.5 mms. I don't think he opts out in 2025, might in 2026 if he crushes it.

Jordan Montgomery's having a terrible year. 6.37 ERA, -1.4 WAR. He has a one year contract, so he'll be an FA.

Snell's...interesting. This year was a microcosm of his career. Often hurt, 1-3, 0.4 WAR, but starting to catch fire. Literally unhittable when he's on, but he's only had two great years in his nine year career. Still, the Giants have won four of his last five starts, and he always closes well. He's scheduled to have 10 more starts. If he finishes 9-1 to go 10-4 overall...maybe. That's a tall order, but not undoable.

Interesting article on whether Boras was right or not: https://www.essentiallysports.com/mlb-ba...ee-agency/

[lex24]

Doval struck out the side in the ninth.

Giants are just 1/2 game behind Pittsburgh and St. Louis.

Not to be the wet blanket, but Ray, Chapman and Snell all have opt-outs next year.

I think Snell will opt-out (he certainly should).  Chapman and Ray?  No clue.

Obviously all of these guys were on "prove it" contracts and if they played well enough they were going to opt-out. The Giants knew that when they offered those contracts. In fact, in a perverse sort of way the Giants wanted all of them to have the kind of year that would justify opting-out :-). The Giants may hope that a good experience this year will give them a "home town discount" in negotiating with these guys if/when they do opt-out. To the extent that would be true, making the playoffs would undoubtedly help.

I am not aware of any Boras clients (Snell/Chapman) giving hometown discounts.  They generally squeeze every dollar they can from ownership.  Of course, we saw that approach backfire last off-season.

It seems to me that Boras' approach failed for his four main clients last year, including Chapman and Snell. Those two still use Boras, so does Cody Bellinger. Snell turned down six years, $150 mms. from the Yankees. Jordan Montgomery fired Boras and went with Wasserman. 

Chapman's having an excellent year, he might be the best 3B in baseball. 5.2 WAR, 47 extra base hits, .778 OPS, wizard in the field (he was GG last year), has played in 111 games. Interestingly, he's stolen 12 bases in 13 attempts. He's scored 78 runs, he could get 100, which he did in 2018 and 2019. Assuming he keeps it up, he'll opt out.

Bellinger has played 86 games, .753 OPS, 11 HRs. 1.3 WAR. He has a three year contract, $27.5 mms. I don't think he opts out in 2025, might in 2026 if he crushes it.

Jordan Montgomery's having a terrible year. 6.37 ERA, -1.4 WAR. He has a one year contract, so he'll be an FA.

Snell's...interesting. This year was a microcosm of his career. Often hurt, 1-3, 0.4 WAR, but starting to catch fire. Literally unhittable when he's on, but he's only had two great years in his nine year career. Still, the Giants have won four of his last five starts, and he always closes well. He's scheduled to have 10 more starts. If he finishes 9-1 to go 10-4 overall...maybe. That's a tall order, but not undoable.

Interesting article on whether Boras was right or not: https://www.essentiallysports.com/mlb-ba...ee-agency/

I’m hoping the Giants can find a way to extend Chapman in the off-season so that he doesn’t hit the free agent market. Probably unlikely. But supposedly he really likes playing from Melvin and for the Giants. So, one can hope.

[lex24]

Doval struck out the side in the ninth.

Giants are just 1/2 game behind Pittsburgh and St. Louis.

Not to be the wet blanket, but Ray, Chapman and Snell all have opt-outs next year.

I think Snell will opt-out (he certainly should).  Chapman and Ray?  No clue.

Obviously all of these guys were on "prove it" contracts and if they played well enough they were going to opt-out. The Giants knew that when they offered those contracts. In fact, in a perverse sort of way the Giants wanted all of them to have the kind of year that would justify opting-out :-). The Giants may hope that a good experience this year will give them a "home town discount" in negotiating with these guys if/when they do opt-out. To the extent that would be true, making the playoffs would undoubtedly help.

I am not aware of any Boras clients (Snell/Chapman) giving hometown discounts.  They generally squeeze every dollar they can from ownership.  Of course, we saw that approach backfire last off-season.

It seems to me that Boras' approach failed for his four main clients last year, including Chapman and Snell. Those two still use Boras, so does Cody Bellinger. Snell turned down six years, $150 mms. from the Yankees. Jordan Montgomery fired Boras and went with Wasserman. 

Chapman's having an excellent year, he might be the best 3B in baseball. 5.2 WAR, 47 extra base hits, .778 OPS, wizard in the field (he was GG last year), has played in 111 games. Interestingly, he's stolen 12 bases in 13 attempts. He's scored 78 runs, he could get 100, which he did in 2018 and 2019. Assuming he keeps it up, he'll opt out.

Bellinger has played 86 games, .753 OPS, 11 HRs. 1.3 WAR. He has a three year contract, $27.5 mms. I don't think he opts out in 2025, might in 2026 if he crushes it.

Jordan Montgomery's having a terrible year. 6.37 ERA, -1.4 WAR. He has a one year contract, so he'll be an FA.

Snell's...interesting. This year was a microcosm of his career. Often hurt, 1-3, 0.4 WAR, but starting to catch fire. Literally unhittable when he's on, but he's only had two great years in his nine year career. Still, the Giants have won four of his last five starts, and he always closes well. He's scheduled to have 10 more starts. If he finishes 9-1 to go 10-4 overall...maybe. That's a tall order, but not undoable.

Interesting article on whether Boras was right or not: https://www.essentiallysports.com/mlb-ba...ee-agency/

I’m hoping the Giants can find a way to extend Chapman in the off-season so that he doesn’t hit the free agent market. Probably unlikely. But supposedly he really likes playing from Melvin and for the Giants. So, one can hope.

[Mick]

I’m hoping the Giants can find a way to extend Chapman in the off-season so that he doesn’t hit the free agent market. Probably unlikely. But supposedly he really likes playing from Melvin and for the Giants. So, one can hope.

That would be nice. He was 3 for 4 today with an HR and a double. Yaz had a triple and an HR, Ramos had an HR. Snell pitched okay, gave up three runs in six innings, but the G's won their fifth game in Snell's last six starts. Doval continued his white-knuckle ride...didn't give up a run, but needed a bases loaded double play in the ninth.

Giants are 9 behind the Dodgers and 4 behind the last playoff spot. They've passed up the Reds, Pirates and Cubs. Now they need to pass up the Cardinals, Mets and Braves (who have the last playoff spot).

[Mick]

I’m hoping the Giants can find a way to extend Chapman in the off-season so that he doesn’t hit the free agent market. Probably unlikely. But supposedly he really likes playing from Melvin and for the Giants. So, one can hope.

That would be nice. He was 3 for 4 today with an HR and a double. Yaz had a triple and an HR, Ramos had an HR. Snell pitched okay, gave up three runs in six innings, but the G's won their fifth game in Snell's last six starts. Doval continued his white-knuckle ride...didn't give up a run, but needed a bases loaded double play in the ninth.

Giants are 9 behind the Dodgers and 4 behind the last playoff spot. They've passed up the Reds, Pirates and Cubs. Now they need to pass up the Cardinals, Mets and Braves (who have the last playoff spot).

[Giants]

Doval struck out the side in the ninth.

Giants are just 1/2 game behind Pittsburgh and St. Louis.

Not to be the wet blanket, but Ray, Chapman and Snell all have opt-outs next year.

I think Snell will opt-out (he certainly should).  Chapman and Ray?  No clue.

Obviously all of these guys were on "prove it" contracts and if they played well enough they were going to opt-out. The Giants knew that when they offered those contracts. In fact, in a perverse sort of way the Giants wanted all of them to have the kind of year that would justify opting-out :-). The Giants may hope that a good experience this year will give them a "home town discount" in negotiating with these guys if/when they do opt-out. To the extent that would be true, making the playoffs would undoubtedly help.

I am not aware of any Boras clients (Snell/Chapman) giving hometown discounts.  They generally squeeze every dollar they can from ownership.  Of course, we saw that approach backfire last off-season.

It seems to me that Boras' approach failed for his four main clients last year, including Chapman and Snell. Those two still use Boras, so does Cody Bellinger. Snell turned down six years, $150 mms. from the Yankees. Jordan Montgomery fired Boras and went with Wasserman. 

Chapman's having an excellent year, he might be the best 3B in baseball. 5.2 WAR, 47 extra base hits, .778 OPS, wizard in the field (he was GG last year), has played in 111 games. Interestingly, he's stolen 12 bases in 13 attempts. He's scored 78 runs, he could get 100, which he did in 2018 and 2019. Assuming he keeps it up, he'll opt out.

Bellinger has played 86 games, .753 OPS, 11 HRs. 1.3 WAR. He has a three year contract, $27.5 mms. I don't think he opts out in 2025, might in 2026 if he crushes it.

Jordan Montgomery's having a terrible year. 6.37 ERA, -1.4 WAR. He has a one year contract, so he'll be an FA.

Snell's...interesting. This year was a microcosm of his career. Often hurt, 1-3, 0.4 WAR, but starting to catch fire. Literally unhittable when he's on, but he's only had two great years in his nine year career. Still, the Giants have won four of his last five starts, and he always closes well. He's scheduled to have 10 more starts. If he finishes 9-1 to go 10-4 overall...maybe. That's a tall order, but not undoable.

Interesting article on whether Boras was right or not: https://www.essentiallysports.com/mlb-ba...ee-agency/

Montgomery has a player option in 2025 (currently for $20 million with the potential to bump up to $25 million based on the number of starts he makes in 2024).  I suspect he will exercise that option given his ‘24 results.

[Giants]

Doval struck out the side in the ninth.

Giants are just 1/2 game behind Pittsburgh and St. Louis.

Not to be the wet blanket, but Ray, Chapman and Snell all have opt-outs next year.

I think Snell will opt-out (he certainly should).  Chapman and Ray?  No clue.

Obviously all of these guys were on "prove it" contracts and if they played well enough they were going to opt-out. The Giants knew that when they offered those contracts. In fact, in a perverse sort of way the Giants wanted all of them to have the kind of year that would justify opting-out :-). The Giants may hope that a good experience this year will give them a "home town discount" in negotiating with these guys if/when they do opt-out. To the extent that would be true, making the playoffs would undoubtedly help.

I am not aware of any Boras clients (Snell/Chapman) giving hometown discounts.  They generally squeeze every dollar they can from ownership.  Of course, we saw that approach backfire last off-season.

It seems to me that Boras' approach failed for his four main clients last year, including Chapman and Snell. Those two still use Boras, so does Cody Bellinger. Snell turned down six years, $150 mms. from the Yankees. Jordan Montgomery fired Boras and went with Wasserman. 

Chapman's having an excellent year, he might be the best 3B in baseball. 5.2 WAR, 47 extra base hits, .778 OPS, wizard in the field (he was GG last year), has played in 111 games. Interestingly, he's stolen 12 bases in 13 attempts. He's scored 78 runs, he could get 100, which he did in 2018 and 2019. Assuming he keeps it up, he'll opt out.

Bellinger has played 86 games, .753 OPS, 11 HRs. 1.3 WAR. He has a three year contract, $27.5 mms. I don't think he opts out in 2025, might in 2026 if he crushes it.

Jordan Montgomery's having a terrible year. 6.37 ERA, -1.4 WAR. He has a one year contract, so he'll be an FA.

Snell's...interesting. This year was a microcosm of his career. Often hurt, 1-3, 0.4 WAR, but starting to catch fire. Literally unhittable when he's on, but he's only had two great years in his nine year career. Still, the Giants have won four of his last five starts, and he always closes well. He's scheduled to have 10 more starts. If he finishes 9-1 to go 10-4 overall...maybe. That's a tall order, but not undoable.

Interesting article on whether Boras was right or not: https://www.essentiallysports.com/mlb-ba...ee-agency/

Montgomery has a player option in 2025 (currently for $20 million with the potential to bump up to $25 million based on the number of starts he makes in 2024).  I suspect he will exercise that option given his ‘24 results.

[Mick]

Last game with the Washington Nationals was played in a series of downpours and multiple rain delays. The grounds crew really earned their pay today. Five Giants pitchers (Harrison, Hjelle, Hicks, Miller, and Walker) held Washington to two runs...and Doval, characteristically, gave up three runs on two walks and an opposite field home run, complete with his blase attitude. The HR had a 93 mph exit velocity, barely cleared the fence, right at the foul pole.

Happily, the Giants bounced back under circumstances too weird to be repeated. Infield grounder, shortstop pulls the 3B off the bag...both runners safe. Wisely, not hitting well, bunts past the pitcher for a hit, Yaz scores. Bailey bunts and the 3B drops the ball. Bases loaded, two outs, Conforto hits a nothing bloop into LF, scores two. Chapman hits an 0-2 single scoring Conforto, Giants take 9-5 lead, Taylor Rogers strikes out two to close it out, and the Giants win 9-5. Doval -- of all pitchers -- gets the win after giving up three runs in an inning, and possessor of a gaudy 4.70 ERA.

Overall, Mark Canha went 4 for 6, Conforto got on base four times and new leadoff hitter Tyler Fitzgerald had two hits, stole three bases and has a great line (.316/.377/.638/1.015).

Based solely on today's results, Canha looks like a good pickup. Not bad for a Cal guy... ;).

Stanford's Erik Miller had a particularly good day, pitching an inning, striking out two, no hits or walks. 

I lived in DC for four years, and man I don't miss that weather...not the heat, the crazy humidity, the midsummer downpours and the metropolitan gridlock when 1/2" of snow falls...

---

BTW, Giants (59-58) are now a game over .500, having gone 9-3 in the last 12 games, and are three games back of the Mets for the last playoff spot.

The Giants have to travel cross-country tonight for the start of 12 games in 14 days when they get to sleep in their beds; three series against the Tigers (55-60), Braves (60-54, but have lost four in a row) and White Sox (28-89) and a two-game series against the A's (48-68) at the Oakland Coliseum. If the Giants can go 9-3 again, perhaps they'll be in the last playoff spot by the time they travel to the Mariners on 8/23.

Incidentally, BoMel's been feeling the heat. He was booted arguing an egregious "strike" call against Canha in the first inning (looked at least 4 inches outside). Among first-year SF or NY Giants managers -- and BoMel's their 39th manager - Melvin ranks third in "Most Ejections" with five ejections this year. Bill Rigney was ejected 8 times in 1956, he's ranked first and Bruce Bochy was ejected six times in 2006. BoMel has 45 games to catch up to and pass Bochy, and has a puncher's chance of catching Rigney, especially with the stress of the pennant race. No other rookie manager had either three or four ejections in a season, and Felipe Alou (2003), Herman Franks (1965) and Jack Doyle (1895) tied for fourth place with two each. The other 32 managers, John McGraw included, were kicked out of 0 or 1 game in their rookie season).

McGraw had zero ejections his first year as the Giants manager, but had 108 in his career, averaging six during his lusty youth with just 10 over his last 16 seasons. Toothless old lion, by that time.

[Mick]

Last game with the Washington Nationals was played in a series of downpours and multiple rain delays. The grounds crew really earned their pay today. Five Giants pitchers (Harrison, Hjelle, Hicks, Miller, and Walker) held Washington to two runs...and Doval, characteristically, gave up three runs on two walks and an opposite field home run, complete with his blase attitude. The HR had a 93 mph exit velocity, barely cleared the fence, right at the foul pole.

Happily, the Giants bounced back under circumstances too weird to be repeated. Infield grounder, shortstop pulls the 3B off the bag...both runners safe. Wisely, not hitting well, bunts past the pitcher for a hit, Yaz scores. Bailey bunts and the 3B drops the ball. Bases loaded, two outs, Conforto hits a nothing bloop into LF, scores two. Chapman hits an 0-2 single scoring Conforto, Giants take 9-5 lead, Taylor Rogers strikes out two to close it out, and the Giants win 9-5. Doval -- of all pitchers -- gets the win after giving up three runs in an inning, and possessor of a gaudy 4.70 ERA.

Overall, Mark Canha went 4 for 6, Conforto got on base four times and new leadoff hitter Tyler Fitzgerald had two hits, stole three bases and has a great line (.316/.377/.638/1.015).

Based solely on today's results, Canha looks like a good pickup. Not bad for a Cal guy... ;).

Stanford's Erik Miller had a particularly good day, pitching an inning, striking out two, no hits or walks. 

I lived in DC for four years, and man I don't miss that weather...not the heat, the crazy humidity, the midsummer downpours and the metropolitan gridlock when 1/2" of snow falls...

---

BTW, Giants (59-58) are now a game over .500, having gone 9-3 in the last 12 games, and are three games back of the Mets for the last playoff spot.

The Giants have to travel cross-country tonight for the start of 12 games in 14 days when they get to sleep in their beds; three series against the Tigers (55-60), Braves (60-54, but have lost four in a row) and White Sox (28-89) and a two-game series against the A's (48-68) at the Oakland Coliseum. If the Giants can go 9-3 again, perhaps they'll be in the last playoff spot by the time they travel to the Mariners on 8/23.

Incidentally, BoMel's been feeling the heat. He was booted arguing an egregious "strike" call against Canha in the first inning (looked at least 4 inches outside). Among first-year SF or NY Giants managers -- and BoMel's their 39th manager - Melvin ranks third in "Most Ejections" with five ejections this year. Bill Rigney was ejected 8 times in 1956, he's ranked first and Bruce Bochy was ejected six times in 2006. BoMel has 45 games to catch up to and pass Bochy, and has a puncher's chance of catching Rigney, especially with the stress of the pennant race. No other rookie manager had either three or four ejections in a season, and Felipe Alou (2003), Herman Franks (1965) and Jack Doyle (1895) tied for fourth place with two each. The other 32 managers, John McGraw included, were kicked out of 0 or 1 game in their rookie season).

McGraw had zero ejections his first year as the Giants manager, but had 108 in his career, averaging six during his lusty youth with just 10 over his last 16 seasons. Toothless old lion, by that time.

[Goose]

I lived in DC for four years, and man I don't miss that weather...not the heat, the crazy humidity, the midsummer downpours and the metropolitan gridlock when 1/2" of snow falls...

I never lived there, but for many years I was there often enough I witnessed all of the above. The gridlock with 1/2" of snow is an absolute fact, but only if the snow starts during the day after people are already at work. One morning two of us (in separate cars) were driving to National Airport for a return to California. It was about 7 AM on a Friday. The snow on the freeway in front of us was absolutely virgin. Our tracks in the rear view mirror were all there were to see. Not one other tire track to be seen. The snow had actually stopped a couple of hours ago, but a "snow day" had been declared. We also didn't see a plow anywhere. Fortunately 1/2" doesn't really require them.

[Goose]

I lived in DC for four years, and man I don't miss that weather...not the heat, the crazy humidity, the midsummer downpours and the metropolitan gridlock when 1/2" of snow falls...

I never lived there, but for many years I was there often enough I witnessed all of the above. The gridlock with 1/2" of snow is an absolute fact, but only if the snow starts during the day after people are already at work. One morning two of us (in separate cars) were driving to National Airport for a return to California. It was about 7 AM on a Friday. The snow on the freeway in front of us was absolutely virgin. Our tracks in the rear view mirror were all there were to see. Not one other tire track to be seen. The snow had actually stopped a couple of hours ago, but a "snow day" had been declared. We also didn't see a plow anywhere. Fortunately 1/2" doesn't really require them.

[Mick]

Mick had suggested Steven Vogt as a possible Giant Manager.  I lol.  Today Vogt was named the Guardians Manager
Good call Mick

The Guardians finished 76-86 last year. Today, they are 67-47 with the third-best record in the AL, a half-game behind the Yankees and Orioles. Nice job, Mr. Vogt...

[Mick]

Mick had suggested Steven Vogt as a possible Giant Manager.  I lol.  Today Vogt was named the Guardians Manager
Good call Mick

The Guardians finished 76-86 last year. Today, they are 67-47 with the third-best record in the AL, a half-game behind the Yankees and Orioles. Nice job, Mr. Vogt...

[Giants]

Doval sent to Sacramento.  Roupp called up.

[Giants]

Doval sent to Sacramento.  Roupp called up.

[Mick]

Canha walk-off sacrifice fly, beat the Tigers 3-2, Giants are two games over .500 at 60-58.

Tyler Rogers pitches the ninth, does a great job, got the win, now 2-4 with a 3.04 ERA. Giants had three errors...not so great. Giants only had four hits.

Still...Giants are now just two games back of the wild card spot. Cardinals are only a half-game ahead of the Giants and the Braves are ahead of the Giants by 1.5 games, and the Giants play four home games against the Braves starting Monday.

[Mick]

Canha walk-off sacrifice fly, beat the Tigers 3-2, Giants are two games over .500 at 60-58.

Tyler Rogers pitches the ninth, does a great job, got the win, now 2-4 with a 3.04 ERA. Giants had three errors...not so great. Giants only had four hits.

Still...Giants are now just two games back of the wild card spot. Cardinals are only a half-game ahead of the Giants and the Braves are ahead of the Giants by 1.5 games, and the Giants play four home games against the Braves starting Monday.

[Mick]

3-1 win over Tigers, Webb (10-8) got the win, Ty Rogers (2.98 ERA) had his 25th hold, Walker (2.20 ERA) gets the save, his first as a closer. Little bit shaky, he let two batters on. Just six hits, but no errors. Yaz with two hits, Encarnacion continues to impress with a hit and a walk in four trips, and Wisely had a two-run double. Conforto, 0 for 4, 4 strikeouts. 40,030 at the old ballpark for the 10th reunion of the 2014 WS championship.

Giants have the 2nd best record in MLB since 7/26 at 12-3 (best is Padres, 13-2). It was SF's 4th straight win and 12th in last 15 games. Giants now tied with the Cardinals at 1.5 games back of the Mets for the last playoff spot. Incidentally, the Padres, Diamondbacks and the Giants are all 8-2 in the last 10 games.

Birdsong pitches tomorrow, 1 p.m game. Critical series at home vs. Atlanta starting Monday.

[Mick]

3-1 win over Tigers, Webb (10-8) got the win, Ty Rogers (2.98 ERA) had his 25th hold, Walker (2.20 ERA) gets the save, his first as a closer. Little bit shaky, he let two batters on. Just six hits, but no errors. Yaz with two hits, Encarnacion continues to impress with a hit and a walk in four trips, and Wisely had a two-run double. Conforto, 0 for 4, 4 strikeouts. 40,030 at the old ballpark for the 10th reunion of the 2014 WS championship.

Giants have the 2nd best record in MLB since 7/26 at 12-3 (best is Padres, 13-2). It was SF's 4th straight win and 12th in last 15 games. Giants now tied with the Cardinals at 1.5 games back of the Mets for the last playoff spot. Incidentally, the Padres, Diamondbacks and the Giants are all 8-2 in the last 10 games.

Birdsong pitches tomorrow, 1 p.m game. Critical series at home vs. Atlanta starting Monday.

[Mick]

After a three game losing streak, the Giants defeat the Braves 6-0 to return to .500, at 62-62. Just 38 games left, the Giants are 3.5 games back of the last wild card spot. D'Backs and Padres, who own two of those spots, are 9-1 in their last 10 games.

Webb (3.17) got the win, he's 11-8. Ty Rogers (2.91) and Bivens (1.90) closed it out. New call up, 23 year old Grant McCray had two hits with a home run. Schmitt had three hits with a home run. Ramos and Chapman had doubles. Fitzgerald stole two bases. 

On the other hand, attendance for this day game against their rival for the last playoff spot dipped below 30,000 at 29,319. Last night's attendance was worse at 27,460.

[Mick]

After a three game losing streak, the Giants defeat the Braves 6-0 to return to .500, at 62-62. Just 38 games left, the Giants are 3.5 games back of the last wild card spot. D'Backs and Padres, who own two of those spots, are 9-1 in their last 10 games.

Webb (3.17) got the win, he's 11-8. Ty Rogers (2.91) and Bivens (1.90) closed it out. New call up, 23 year old Grant McCray had two hits with a home run. Schmitt had three hits with a home run. Ramos and Chapman had doubles. Fitzgerald stole two bases. 

On the other hand, attendance for this day game against their rival for the last playoff spot dipped below 30,000 at 29,319. Last night's attendance was worse at 27,460.