Locked On Giants – Daily Podcast On The San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants' bats are ice cold. The Giants have been in a major offensive funk for over a month, but they've managed to do better than stay afloat. Perhaps no game represented how things have gone than Thursday's 1-0 win over the D-backs. The SF Giants got only one run and three baserunners, but they managed to win anyway. And once again, the Giants employed an unorthodox pitching strategy to do so. Scott Alexander got the "start" by going one inning, then Tristan Beck, who's been excellent, pitched four innings of "relief." The Giants rank second in MLB in ERA since May 1 despite having only two consistent traditional starting pitchers in Logan Webb and Alex Cobb.

Defense has also been key to the Giants' success this season, as they currently boast the third-best record in the National League. Last year, defense absolutely sunk the San Francisco Giants' season. This year, they've been one of the best teams in baseball by metrics like Statcast Outs Above Average and Defensive Runs Saved. J.D. Davis, Thairo Estrada, Brandon Crawford, Patrick Bailey, and others have been very positive contributors as the Giants' defense has helped them win a lot of games.

Finally, an old ESPN article from the offseason is revisited. The article declared which teams were winners and losers of the offseason. The winners were the New York Mets and San Diego Padres, with both teams checking in as arguably the two biggest disappointments through more than 100 games this year. The biggest losers were the Giants, the Red Sox, and the Dodgers. The Giants and Dodgers are two of the three best teams in the NL so far, and the Red Sox are also over .500 and in solid position. It just goes to show that baseball, as always, continues to be extremely difficult to predict.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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San Francisco Giants fans have been clamoring for a star and for players to get attached to for a long time. Patrick Bailey may be both. Bailey is a game-changing defender, and we keep getting reminded of it pretty much every time he's behind home plate for the SF Giants. Patrick Bailey got two huge outs in the Giants' one-run win against the D-backs last night, throwing out the potential tying run trying to steal second in the eighth, and picking off the potential tying run to end the game in the ninth. Bailey is playing at a 6-WAR pace, per FanGraphs, despite slightly below-average offensive numbers. His defense has been that good.

The Giants' quiet trade deadline is revisited. Some fans are understandably irked by the team's inactivity (outside of acquiring A.J. Pollock), but the Giants' behavior is understandable. They're close to getting Thairo Estrada and Mitch Haniger back from their injuries. Brandon Crawford has returned, and he hit a crucial game-tying home run last night. They've debuted Marco Luciano so he should be in the middle infield mix moving forward. Luis Matos is heating up at the plate. The pitching quietly has the second-best ERA in MLB since May 1 (the day after the insane Mexico City series).

Luciano was demoted to Triple-A to make room for Pollock on the Giants' roster. Luciano will work on playing some second base in Sacramento, which should help provide coverage if Estrada misses time again. Lefty-hitting outfielder Wade Meckler was promoted to Triple-A. Meckler was a 2022 draftee, so he's moved very fast. He was hitting very well in Double-A and could be an outfield option down the stretch. SF Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi also said that Kyle Harrison is likely to debut soon after recovering from a moderate hamstring strain.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

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What an absolute dud. And we're not just talking about the San Francisco Giants' trade deadline, in which their only move was acquiring A.J. Pollock, who's having a very disappointing season. The MLB trade deadline as a whole was very underwhelming, with only a few big-name or high-impact players getting dealt. Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander headlined the list of players moves, but neither deal's structure would have made sense for the SF Giants, as will be explained later.

The Giants' addition of Pollock is puzzling on the surface, but starts to make more sense upon a deeper dive. Despite being 35 years old, Pollock's sprint speed is still 89th percentile. He has a really good throwing arm. He has a track record of not striking out and doing damage against lefties, while also holding his own against right-handed pitching. With SF Giants outfielder Mike Yastrzemski landing on the IL again, and Mitch Haniger out at least two more weeks, Pollock should be a mainstay in the lineup as he gets a chance to regain his form. He's just two seasons removed from being an impact hitter. The Giants also received utility player Mark Mathias in the trade in which they will send a player to be named later or cash back to the Mariners.

None of the trades that happened at this deadline stood out as great fits for the Giants. The Mets paid down the majority of the hefty salaries owed to Verlander and Scherzer in order to land top-100 prospect talents in return. The Giants should not be giving up players like that—think Marco Luciano, Luis Matos, Patrick Bailey, Kyle Harrison, Carson Whisenhunt—for pitchers around 40 years old who are past their primes. Otherwise, there wasn't much high-end talent traded, nor even any nice complementary pieces (like Tommy Edman) who would've fit the Giants.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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If there was any doubt, the San Francisco Giants put those doubts to rest. With four wins in their last five games, the SF Giants have cemented themselves as clear buyers ahead of Tuesday's 3 PM PT trading deadline. The Giants have certainly shown their imperfections in recent weeks, but they're still only two games out of first place, they're the top wild card team in the NL, and they're 10 games over .500. So... what must the Giants accomplish by tomorrow's deadline?

The San Francisco Giants look like a team that needs another starting pitcher. Right now, the Giants only have Logan Webb and Alex Cobb as clear starters. The Giants have many "bulk guys" such as Alex Wood, Sean Manaea, Ross Stripling, and Tristan Beck, but another clear-cut starter could go a long way. Eduardo Rodriguez and Justin Verlander stand out as the best fits remaining.

The SF Giants could also use a versatile hitter. Tommy Edman stands out as a great fit because he can play short, second, third, and all three outfield positions. But the Cardinals may not very well not trade him. Versatility should be important in an addition because the Giants have some of these positions dedicated to players who will eventually return from the IL, such as Thairo Estrada (who's close to a rehab assignment) and Mitch Haniger (who says he might be ready well before the original estimate of early September).

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

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Sleeper

Download the Sleeper app and use promo code LOCKEDON and you'll get up to a $100 match on your first deposit. Terms and conditions apply. See Sleeper’s Terms of Use for details. Currently operational in over 30 states. Check out Sleeper today!

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The San Francisco Giants' biggest need is frontline starting pitching. As the Giants stand now, only Logan Webb and Alex Cobb are reliable arms in the starting rotation. Top prospect Kyle Harrison may become an option down the stretch, but Alex Wood, Anthony DeSclafani, Sean Manaea, and Ross Stripling have failed to seize slam-dunk starters' roles. Trade candidates include Dylan Cease, Blake Snell, Eduardo Rodriguez, Justin Verlander, Marcus Stroman, and Jordan Montgomery. All of those players would fit the SF Giants well, but Rodriguez might offer the best blend of availability, impact, and acquisition cost.

Another SF Giants need has been said to be middle infield, but is that still a need after the promotion of top shortstop prospect Marco Luciano? Luciano has just one MLB game under his belt, but Brandon Crawford is also close to returning and Thairo Estrada is not too far behind. Casey Schmitt and Brett Wisely have struggled to cement roles thus far. Someone like Paul DeJong doesn't seem like a great fit because he's limited to shortstop. Another Cardinals player, however, makes a lot of sense. Tommy Edman can play short, second, third, and all three outfield positions—and play them well.

Can the Giants offload one or more of their "unpitchable" starters? It was reported yesterday that teams have contacted the San Francisco Giants about their veteran pitching depth, and a move seems possible if not likely. In order to add pitching, the Giants would need to clear space on the MLB roster, but there aren't obvious ways to do so with so few players having minor league options. And the Giants pitchers who do have options are guys they wouldn't want to option. It's possible the Giants could include a veteran starter to offset money in a deal.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

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Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

Sleeper

Download the Sleeper app and use promo code LOCKEDON and you'll get up to a $100 match on your first deposit. Terms and conditions apply. See Sleeper’s Terms of Use for details. Currently operational in over 30 states. Check out Sleeper today!

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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San Francisco Giants top prospect Marco Luciano made his long anticipated MLB debut last night. Luciano received a standing ovation prior to his first at-bat, and again after he flew out to the right field wall on the first pitch he saw. Luciano also made a few nice plays at shortstop for the Giants. But after only two plate appearances, leading off the seventh inning with a two-run lead, SF Giants manager Gabe Kapler elected to pinch hit for Luciano. While the move may have been correct statistically, it took away from the entertainment value of the game, as so many Giants fans wanted to see Luciano.

Kapler's decision earlier in the game to pinch hit for Michael Conforto with Austin Slater, however, was a good move. The difference is that at that point the game was tied and the go-ahead run was on second base with one out. Slater hit another pinch-hit homer, giving the Giants a lead they would make stand up. Slater is the best pinch hitter in baseball, but this move does highlight the disappointing overall season Conforto has had, and the fact that his poor performance against lefties means he will sometimes not hit against them. Most of the SF Giants' offseason signings have been significant disappointments.

But all that matters is that the Giants beat the A's and swept this two-game series. The Giants' position as clear buyers had slipped following their ghastly six-game losing streak, but the SF Giants are in a much better position after two straight wins. They're only three games back in the NL West, and they are the top wild card team in the league. FanGraphs estimates the Giants' playoff odds to be roughly 65% with only four games remaining before Tuesday's trade deadline.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

Ibotta

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Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

Sleeper

Download the Sleeper app and use promo code LOCKEDON and you'll get up to a $100 match on your first deposit. Terms and conditions apply. See Sleeper’s Terms of Use for details. Currently operational in over 30 states. Check out Sleeper today!

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The San Francisco Giants' offense has been absolutely atrocious in recent days. Over the last week, the SF Giants rank last in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. Desperately in need of a spark, the Giants have promoted their top position player prospect, Marco Luciano, to the major leagues. Luciano is just 21 years old, and he joins Luis Matos as 21-year-olds on the roster.

Luciano's bat has been red hot for a month and a half. Dating back to June 10, Luciano has a 159 wRC+ spanning Double-A and Triple-A, where he was just recently promoted. According to MLB Pipeline, Marco Luciano is MLB's No. 15 overall prospect. In their prospect write-up on Luciano they say he has the potential to hit .270 with 35 home runs. Power is Luciano's greatest attribute—and the Giants could desperately use some power right about now.

Casey Schmitt and Brett Wisely have struggled mightily at the plate this season, and with both Thairo Estrada and Brandon Crawford out with injuries, the Giants simply need more production in the middle infield. The San Francisco Giants managed to eke out a win over the MLB-worst Oakland A's last night, but it wasn't easy. It took a brilliant start from Alex Cobb and some lucky breaks on offense just to scratch across two runs. With the trade deadline just five games away, the Giants must keep their foot on the gas to remain clear-cut buyers at the deadline. They're hoping Luciano can be the spark they so badly need.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

Ibotta

Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code MLB when you register.Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code MLB.

eBay Motors

For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

Sleeper

Download the Sleeper app and use promo code LOCKEDON and you'll get up to a $100 match on your first deposit. Terms and conditions apply. See Sleeper’s Terms of Use for details. Currently operational in over 30 states. Check out Sleeper today!

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The San Francisco Giants look completely lost right now. They've lost a season-high six straight games, and perhaps most perplexing is that they did so following a seven-game winning streak. The Giants won their first five games coming out of the All-Star break, only to lose the last six on their season-high 11-game road trip. Still, the SF Giants return home seven games over .500 and tied for a wild card spot. The Giants' next six games before the Aug. 1 trade deadline will be critical, and it starts with a two-game series against the MLB-worst Oakland A's. The Giants must take advantage or risk losing their position as probable buyers.

When it comes to potential trades, none would be more impactful than Shohei Ohtani. The Japanese superstar could be traded in the next week, but would the SF Giants be a potential fit? Whom would the Giants have to part with in order to land the best player in baseball? It's important to keep in mind that, as great as he is, Ohtani is a pure rental—he's only under team control for the remainder of the 2023 season. That caps his value, and the cost probably wouldn't be quite as high as many seem to think. One of Kyle Harrison, Luis Matos, or Marco Luciano would likely be the headliner of a potential deal.

Other trade possibilities include the likes of Justin Verlander and Tommy Edman. The Giants were reported to be interested in Verlander by MLB Network's Jon Morosi, and Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick believes Edman is the ideal position player fit for the San Francisco Giants.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

Ibotta

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Following a brutally awful series in Washington D.C., the San Francisco Giants have serious work to do ahead of next Tuesday's trade deadline. The SF Giants' flaws have been on full display lately: it's clear that they need another good and reliable starter to pair with Logan Webb and Alex Cobb, but it's also clear that the Giants need to offload one or more of their struggling starters on guaranteed contracts. Anthony DeSclafani, Alex Wood, Ross Stripling, and Sean Manaea, in particular, are taking up space and not getting the job done.

The only pitchers the SF Giants can option are Logan Webb, Camilo Doval, Tyler Rogers, and Ryan Walker. But the Giants are obviously not optioning any of the first three, and Walker has been as reliable as anyone in the bullpen. And the SF Giants are carrying the maximum number of pitchers. They will need to activate John Brebbia at some point. Tristan Beck doesn't seem to belong in Triple-A. And the Giants should be adding a starter. So their only choice is to trade or DFA some of their struggling pitchers, which also includes Jakob Junis.

The Giants were linked to Justin Verlander in a report by MLB Network's Jon Morosi. Verlander is owed a ton of money, is 40 years old, and isn't doing so great himself, but he would be an upgrade over the Giants' expendable mix. It's also become clear that the Giants need middle infield help. Casey Schmitt and Brett Wisely are playing everyday in the absence of Thairo Estrada and Brandon Crawford, and it hasn't gone well at the plate. The Giants don't have to give up on either, but they need more reliable production if they truly want to be in the postseason.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

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Shohei Ohtani is the most talented player in baseball. If Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick were the San Francisco Giants' general manager, what prospects would he give up for a mere two months of Ohtani's services? Ben would seriously consider trading one of Kyle Harrison, Marco Luciano, or Luis Matos for Shohei Ohtani, in addition to some lower level prospects. The notion that the Giants would have to include all three is absurd, given that Ohtani is a two-month rental. Two of those three would be a stretch as well, even though Ohtani is currently the game's best player.

What are some realistic offensive trade targets for the SF Giants? It is, unfortunately, a weak trade market for middle infielders, which is the Giants' top offensive need. Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi has said that the Giants won't target outfielders, which makes it even more clear that middle infielders are the offensive need. Cardinals infielders Tommy Edman and Paul DeJong stand out as possible fits. Outside of those two, Gleyber Torres could make sense if the Yankees make him available, and Ramón Urías and Jorge Mateo of the Orioles could also make some sense.

What's going on with Giants outfield prospect Heliot Ramos? He's turned things around in Triple-A Sacramento and currently has an above-average wRC+ there for the first time. Will he get another shot with the Giants? It's certainly a possibility given he's received chances before, and he's having the most success he's ever had in Triple-A. If he's not in the SF Giants' plans, he could also be a trade candidate with the Aug. 1 trade deadline looming.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

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Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

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Sleeper

Download the Sleeper app and use promo code LOCKEDON and you'll get up to a $100 match on your first deposit. Terms and conditions apply. See Sleeper’s Terms of Use for details. Currently operational in over 30 states. Check out Sleeper today!

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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