07-12-2021, 08:18 AM
(07-11-2021, 11:34 PM)Leftcoast Wrote: 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