Locked On Giants – Daily Podcast On The San Francisco Giants

In back-to-back losses in Cincinnati, the San Francisco Giants' offense was anything but clutch. As has become a concerning theme, the Giants were shut down early in the game both times by the opposing starter. Despite that happening time after time, the SF Giants have still managed to have MLB's second-best record since May 1, going 43-27 over that span. The Giants have been below average overall offensively over that span, with a 97 wRC+, but they have a whopping 135 wRC+ in high-leverage situations. Is that sustainable?

It certainly doesn't help to keep losing players to the injured list. Brandon Crawford went down with a recurrence of his left knee inflammation. J.D. Davis had a stomach bug that kept him out the last two games, and LaMonte Wade Jr. has a hamstring cramp. The San Francisco Giants' middle infield is thin and their depth is being tested, with Casey Schmitt and Brett Wisely starting everyday regardless of the pitching matchups. Neither has seized a starting role with their offense, which might force the Giants' hand with the trade deadline looming.

But there aren't a lot of impact players available at this deadline, particularly in the middle infield. Cardinals infielders Paul DeJong and Tommy Edman stand out as possible fits, with Edman being something of an ideal fit for the Giants. But his cost would be very high, and he is currently on the injured list himself. The Giants probably need a starting pitcher as well, even though they're second in MLB in ERA since May 1.

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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Two for the price of one! The San Francisco Giants picked up not one but two wins on Tuesday, winning the game that was suspended in the eighth inning on Monday in extra innings, and outlasting the Reds in a wild 11-10 slugfest in the second game of the day. Wilmer Flores has been red hot at the plate, and did something that hadn't been done by a Giants player since 2002 Barry Bonds. Camilo Doval picked up two saves on the night for the SF Giants.

The Giants are surging in the standings, and it's time to start thinking about the trade deadline, which is now less than two weeks away. Could Shohei Ohtani be in the SF Giants' future? He'd be a perfect fit on just about every team, and the Giants are no exception. But would Marcus Stroman make sense as well? The Giants are 54-41 despite a lot of inconsistency in their starting rotation, so adding another top arm seemingly makes sense.

Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick and Locked On MLB host Paul Francis Sullivan discuss these topics and more on the show.

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

Dave

Download Dave today at Dave.com/mlb. You could get up to $500 in 5 minutes or less! No credit check. No late fees. 

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

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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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San Francisco Giants fans have been waiting a long time for a youth movement, and they're finally getting it this year. Giants fans have already seen Patrick Bailey, Luis Matos, Casey Schmitt, and others arrive on the shores of McCovey Cove, and they might not have to wait much longer for another top prospect to arrive. Marco Luciano was promoted to Triple-A, meaning he's right on the doorstep of the major leagues. In Sacramento, Luciano will join another top prospect in left-handed pitcher Kyle Harrison, who's currently out with a moderate hamstring strain. It's become realistic that both Harrison and Luciano will make their MLB debuts in 2023.

Meanwhile, the Giants find themselves in a competitive race in the NL West and in the Wild Card standings. The SF Giants' first game against the Reds was suspended due to rain, and will resume this afternoon with runners on second and third with one out with J.D. Davis at the plate in a 2-2 game. It's a huge situation for Davis, who will likely have to face Reds closer Alexis Diaz. After Game 1 is concluded, the Giants will have a big opportunity with Luke Weaver, who has an ERA of 7.00 in 15 starts, going in Game 2 for Cincinnati.

In other news, Jim Bowden of The Athletic made an absurd hypothetical trade proposal involving the Giants and Angels for Shohei Ohtani. In the proposal, the Giants would get Ohtani in exchange for Luis Matos, Kyle Harrison, Marco Luciano, Grant McCray, and Carson Whisenhunt. There's just zero chance that the SF Giants would give up that much talent for about 60 games of Ohtani. That's a similar package to what the Padres gave up for nearly 400 games of Juan Soto.

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

Dave

Download Dave today at Dave.com/mlb. You could get up to $500 in 5 minutes or less! No credit check. No late fees. 

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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It wasn't always pretty, but the San Francisco Giants swept the Pittsburgh Pirates and continued to rise in the standings. The Giants' offense was at times overmatched by inferior pitching—again—but they found a way to win all three games against the Pirates while many of their opponents in the division and wild card races had rough series. Michael Conforto, Patrick Bailey, Alex Cobb, Alex Wood, Tristan Beck, Taylor Rogers, and many others contributed to the Giants' sweep.

The SF Giants leapfrogged the D-backs and Marlins, and are now just 1.5 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West. They're also now the No. 1 wild card team, but the race remains tight. The Giants' odds of making the playoffs are close to 75%, according to FanGraphs. The Giants' odds of winning the NL West are over 20%.

Are the Giants chasing more, or making contact less? It seems that way, but their chase rate remains solid. They've been making less contact, but their strikeout rate oddly doesn't reflect that. On the season, the Giants' strikeout rate is one of the highest in MLB, but it's actually been significantly lower over the last two weeks, even though it doesn't feel that way. The San Francisco Giants' bats have a big chance to wake up as the team heads to Cincinnati, where the Great American Ballpark is the most homer-prone in the majors. It's a huge series for both the Giants and the Reds, and Logan Webb takes the ball for the Giants tonight.

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

Dave

Download Dave today at Dave.com/mlb. You could get up to $500 in 5 minutes or less! No credit check. No late fees. 

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 entered the season with so many starting pitchers that it wasn't clear how they'd fit them all. At the season's halfway point, however, the Giants really only have two starting pitchers they could truly rely upon. Logan Webb and Alex Cobb put together All-Star-worthy first halves (even though Webb was snubbed from the All-Star game ... again). But newcomers Sean Manaea and Ross Stripling struggled mightily out of the gates, and Anthony DeSclafani and Alex Wood were inconsistent.

The SF Giants' "bullpen" was extremely non-traditional. Camilo Doval was ultra reliable at the back end, and Tyler and Taylor Rogers also provided strong performances in a traditional role, but pretty much everyone else was either inconsistent, injured, or unorthodox. Manaea improved mightily when used out of the 'pen, and is making a strong case to move back into the starting rotation. Tristan Beck was strong in a bulk innings role. Scott Alexander, John Brebbia, and Luke Jackson were good when healthy.

Projecting forward, it's anyone's guess as to how things will play out for the Giants. We know Webb and Cobb will anchor the rotation as long as they're healthy, but it's unclear who exactly will claim the remaining spots or whether the SF Giants will continue to rely heavily on bullpen games, which was largely a successful strategy in the first half. It's also worth keeping an eye on young players like Keaton Winn, Kyle Harrison, Carson Whisenhunt, and Mason Black to see if they get an opportunity and make an impact for the Giants in the second half—and hopefully in the playoffs.

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

birddogs

Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONMLB or enter promo code LOCKEDONMLB for a free Yeti style tumbler with your order. You won’t want to take your birddogs off we promise you.

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)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Reynolds. Carlos Beltran. San Francisco Giants fans are right to be afraid of the team making an all-in move and getting burned by it. We've seen it before, and are the Giants getting set up to repeat the pattern in 2023? It's important to remember that the Beltran and Reynolds moves were made by the previous regime, and the current front office got Kris Bryant without giving up all too much in 2021. Also, the only player that would cost a lot who could be potentially available is Shohei Ohtani. Other than that, the potential moves for the SF Giants won't be extremely consequential. Any moves the Giants make in 2023 likely won't dramatically alter their farm system.

Why do the Giants struggle against inferior teams and specifically against no-name starting pitchers, who seem to have their best career starts against the Giants? Is it because Donnie Ecker left for the Texas Rangers? It's a fair questions, but it's worth remembering all the success they've had with their hitting development. LaMonte Wade Jr., J.D. Davis, Thairo Estrada, Mike Yastrzemski, Patrick Bailey, and others have been significant success stories. There are some who have struggled, but overall the Giants' offense has been above average. Oracle Park, and the glare on the hitting background early in games, certainly doesn't help.

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

birddogs

Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONMLB or enter promo code LOCKEDONMLB for a free Yeti style tumbler with your order. You won’t want to take your birddogs off we promise you.

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)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

San Francisco Giants position players were top 10 in fWAR in the first half. The Giants scored more runs than the average team. They were better on the bases than the average team, despite being second-to-last in stolen bases. And importantly, the SF Giants were among the game's best defensive teams. Younger veterans like Thairo Estrada, LaMonte Wade Jr., J.D. Davis, and Mike Yastrzemski led the way, and the Giants mixed in some exciting young players like Patrick Bailey, Luis Matos, and Casey Schmitt.

Many were very concerned about the Giants' defense coming into the year, and it simply hasn't been an issue. In fact, the Giants' defense has been a real strength. The Giants have been among the game's best defensive teams, with Estrada and Davis—two players many had questions about defensively—leading the way. Michael Conforto hasn't been great defensively, but he also hasn't killed the Giants out there in right field.

The SF Giants certainly dealt with injuries in the first half, with Mitch Haniger out until September with a fractured forearm, and Estrada currently out 4-6 weeks with a broken hand. Conforto's been streaky at the plate, but other veterans like Wade and Davis have had very strong offensive performances. Bailey's emergence as the catcher of the present and the future was the best story of the first half for the Giants. He's been a clutch force at the plate and behind it. Matos has also been a bright spot, holding his own against MLB pitching despite being just 21 years old.

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

birddogs

Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONMLB or enter promo code LOCKEDONMLB for a free Yeti style tumbler with your order. You won’t want to take your birddogs off we promise you.

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)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do the San Francisco Giants have a legitimate shot at signing Shohei Ohtani? Ohtani has established himself as the game's best player, and the Giants have a track record of failing to land superstars. Last winter, the SF Giants went all-out in their efforts to sign Aaron Judge and Carlos Correa. They even had a deal in place with Correa. As such, there's no reason why the Giants won't make the same efforts to bring Ohtani to the Bay Area.

Is it more realistic that the Giants trade for a reliable starting pitcher or an impact position player at this year's trade deadline? Farhan Zaidi recently said that the Giants won't target depth for their rotation, given all of the options they currently have. He also said that they aren't likely to target an outfielder. So the Giants will either go for an impact starter or a middle infielder, or both. In terms of what's more realistic, probably a middle infielder with at least one more year of team control so they have an option at short when Brandon Crawford's contract expires after the season.

Who would the SF Giants be willing to give up in a trade? That obviously depends on whom they're trading for. If Ohtani becomes available in a trade, the Giants would likely put just about everyone on the table. Outside of Ohtani, the Giants wouldn't be offering their top guys, such as Luis Matos, Kyle Harrison, Patrick Bailey, and Marco Luciano. Players with some major league experience could be dealt, like David Villar and Joey Bart.

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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The San Francisco Giants' bats have been slumping, so Logan Webb put the whole team on his back. The Giants sure did not want to lose a series to the lowly Rockies heading into the All-Star break, but they were in danger of doing so after mustering only one run in the rubber match. But Webb, an All-Star snub again, carried the Giants to a thrilling 1-0 win by spinning his first career complete game and shutout. The Giants enter the break 49-41, just 2.5 games behind the Dodgers and D-backs in the NL West, and in the NL's third wild card position. Overall, a very solid first half for the orange and black.

The MLB Draft got underway hours after the game, and the SF Giants took some big swings with their first three selections. The Giants picked two-way player Bryce Eldridge 16th overall, shortstop Walker Martin 52nd, and left-handed pitcher Joe Whitman with the 69th overall pick. Many evaluators believe the Giants had one of the best Day Ones of any team.

Alex Cobb was named an All-Star as a replacement player. It's the first All-Star selection for Cobb, who's been in the league since 2011 and is 35 years old. Cobb was extremely happy and grateful to make his first All-Star team, and he's very deserving. He joins Camilo Doval as the Giants' 2023 All-Star representatives, with Webb, J.D. Davis, LaMonte Wade Jr., Thairo Estrada, and Tyler Rogers also deserving.

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

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

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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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Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONMLB or enter promo code LOCKEDONMLB for a free Yeti style tumbler with your order. You won’t want to take your birddogs off we promise you.

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Outside of Logan Webb and Alex Cobb, the San Francisco Giants' starting pitching staff hasn't performed as expected this season. So should they trade for an ace for the stretch run and potentially a playoff run? The first factor to consider is that there aren't really any true aces available at this deadline. Cases could be made for Marcus Stroman, Eduardo Rodriguez, or Lucas Giolito, to name a few, but there's no Carlos Rodón, for example. If Shohei Ohtani becomes available then that changes everything, but otherwise we're looking at more No. 2-5 starters on the board. But yes, the SF Giants should probably target starting pitching.

What about middle infield? With Thairo Estrada out 4-6 weeks, should the Giants make a move well before the deadline? Tim Anderson is one possibility, although his numbers are way, way down this season, both offensively and defensively. Anderson has a strong reputation in the game, but the dropoff is concerning. Meanwhile, it's probably worth letting Casey Schmitt play a lot of second base just so the Giants really know what they have. He has a lot of potentially and shouldn't be given up on so quickly. The SF Giants should take advantage of Estrada's absence by letting Schmitt play a lot in July.

How all-in should the SF Giants be this season? Which prospects are off the table? The Giants have several intriguing young players in the majors right now in Patrick Bailey, Luis Matos, and Schmitt. Those players are probably off the table this deadline, along with Kyle Harrison, Marco Luciano, and perhaps some others. But none of those players would be in play for the types of names that are available anyway. So the Giants should be aggressive in improving their team and it wouldn't cost their top guys. One name to keep in mind if the Giants decide to target an outfielder is Cody Bellinger, who makes a lot of sense for this team.

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.

#SFGiants #FirstListen

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FanDuel

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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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