Locked On Giants – Daily Podcast On The San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants' starting rotation plans have gone haywire in 2023, but Alex Cobb and Logan Webb have been rock solid and helped lead the Giants to a 47-40 record. The SF Giants have been averaging less than 2.5 runs per game over the last week-plus, but Cobb put the team on his back with six shutout innings, and he was followed up by Taylor and Tyler Rogers and then Camilo Doval in the Giants' shutout win over the Mariners. Starting pitching may be a need at the trade deadline, as Ross Stripling, Sean Manaea, Alex Wood, and Anthony DeSclafani have all had their struggles, but Cobb and Webb have provided much-needed stability all first half.

Speaking of starting pitching and the trade deadline, is the Tigers' Eduardo Rodriguez a possibility? He's having a very nice season for the Tigers, but comes with a lot of downside risk in the form of about $50 million in commitment beyond the season and an opt-out after 2023. So if Rodriguez gets hurt or regresses, his team would be on the hook for about 3/$50M. But if he excels, he would opt out. Those factors might make a trade difficult, but he's definitely a name to keep an eye on as the deadline approaches.

Another mailbag question: What other team currently in the league does this Giants team remind you of? Several different teams are discussed as comparisons, including the Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, and Boston Red Sox as perhaps the most comparable. But no teams are a perfect comparison as the Giants are a pretty unique team. And they're better than those three teams that are mentioned as comparable.

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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Can we please get some runs? The San Francisco Giants' bats have gone ice cold recently, especially early in games, and it's led to a 2-7 stretch that has sunk the Giants' playoff odds significantly. The Giants are averaging just 2.44 runs per game over their last nine, and since June 1 they've scored the fewest runs in baseball in the first four innings of games. Even when they were winning, the SF Giants were frequently doing so by scoring late.

What can be done to turn things around? Obviously, the players the Giants have just need to play better. The Giants are last in the majors in homers and isolated power over the last two weeks. Is there any possibility of help in the Minors? In Triple-A, Tyler Fitzgerald could become a possibility at some point. Brett Wisely is deserving of an opportunity. The Giants' Double-A team has several intriguing names such as Wade Meckler, Vaun Brown, and Marco Luciano who could become options at some point.

The San Francisco Giants' playoff odds have fallen from a high of close to 75% all the way down closer to 55% in recent days, according to FanGraphs. Still, better to be above 50% than far below. The Giants really ought to take advantage of the Mariners' pitching plans in the series finale, with Alex Cobb going for San Francisco, followed by an off day and then a weak Rockies team coming into town. And then it will be the All-Star break. These next four games are very important ahead of the four day layoff.

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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The San Francisco Giants cannot catch a break. What they can catch, unfortunately, are broken bones. Thairo Estrada is the latest Giants player to go down with an injury, as he suffered a broken left hand after being hit by a pitch on Sunday against the Mets. The SF Giants already lost Mitch Haniger to a broken forearm, and they've dealt with numerous soft-tissue injuries to players like Mike Yastrzemski, Michael Conforto, LaMonte Wade Jr., Alex Cobb, and J.D. Davis. Thankfully, Yastrzemski was activated off the IL yesterday and Conforto returned to the lineup after missing a few games with a hamstring issue.

It wasn't enough, however, to prevent another Giants loss. Logan Webb was really good over 6.2 innings, striking out 11 Mariners and allowing just two runs, but the San Francisco Giants were shut down offensively outside of Blake Sabol, who hit two impressive home runs. Sabol also cost the Giants a run with a passed ball and wild pitch that should have been blocked.

The losses are piling up a bit for the Giants right now, as they've dropped six of their last eight games. They're now tied for the NL's final wild card spot, and their competition continues to win seemingly every night. Per FanGraphs, the Giants' playoff odds have fallen to about 63%, down from about 75% just a few days ago. The Giants need to get back on track and avoid spiraling into the All-Star break. All of these injuries have created opportunities for young players like Luis Matos and Casey Schmitt, but thus far those players haven't really produced.

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.

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 All-Star break can't get here fast enough for the San Francisco Giants. The Giants are banged up and burnt out, and it showed during their 2-4 road trip to Toronto and New York. The SF Giants' travel schedule has been absolutely brutal, starting with their early morning arrival into Toronto. That was followed by an inexplicable night game in the finale north of the border, meaning a late arrival into New York (and having to go through customs). And just to pile on, the Giants and Mets were selected for the ESPN Sunday Night Game, which meant they didn't arrive into San Francisco until 3:20 AM, or 6:20 AM according to the Giants' body clocks. And now the Giants start another series tonight, followed by a day game tomorrow because it's July 4th.

Added to all of that, the Giants have had lots of injuries piled on. Michael Conforto and LaMonte Wade Jr. aren't on the IL, but didn't start against righty Justin Verlander on Saturday. Mitch Haniger is out for months. Mike Yastrzemski didn't make the trip but thankfully should be activated tonight. The Giants are missing three of their late-inning relievers in John Brebbia, Scott Alexander, and Luke Jackson. Anthony DeSclafani admitted that he's "running on fumes." Thairo Estrada was hit in the hand by a pitch on Sunday and Crawford aggravated a side injury on a diving play. Again: the All-Star break can't get here soon enough for the San Francisco Giants.

Speaking of All Stars, Camilo Doval made the team as the Giants' lone representative. He's more than deserving, and has clearly established himself as one of the game's best relievers. The Giants had several deserving players who were snubbed: Logan Webb, J.D. Davis, Estrada, and Wade Jr. But it's probably for the best that everyone but Doval will get four days off starting next Monday.

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.

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 may have lost the series to the Blue Jays, but along the way they may have found themselves a legitimate starter. Keaton Winn made his starting pitching debut after a few stints out of the bullpen, and he was efficient and effective against a potent Blue Jays lineup, pounding the strike zone with upper 90s fastballs and a devastating splitter. Winn has flown somewhat under the radar when it comes to Giants prospects, but he very much has a chance to stick in the rotation and be an important arm for the SF Giants down the stretch and hopefully into the playoffs.

But it wasn't all sunshine and roses for the Giants in the series finale. The Giants' offense struck out a ton against starter Chris Bassitt, who set a career high in K's. Bassitt has been around the game for a long time, which made the accomplishment sting a little more. The SF Giants have a strikeout rate that's among the highest in the game this season, but it's actually been better over the last month or so. Meanwhile, the home run ball continues to be rather elusive, and the Giants rank near the bottom of the league in homers over the last 30 days. But they're still Top 10 overall on the season. Injuries have had a lot to do with the decrease in long balls.

Patrick Bailey just keeps on hitting. He singled and doubled as the DH in last night's Giants loss, giving him a 10-game hitting streak. It's the longest streak by an SF Giants rookie since Buster Posey did it twice in 2010. Bailey's emergence has been perhaps the greatest story of the 2023 season to date, as he has solidified the catcher position in a matter of weeks. Bailey has been great at the plate and behind it, and looks very much like the Giants' catcher of the present and the future.

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.

FanDuel

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

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 lost a game, and it didn't have to feel devastating. Last year, and for much of the early part of this season, every Giants loss felt like a significant setback. The SF Giants needed to win just about every game or else fall further behind in the standings, or further away from even the .500 mark. Now, entering last night's game 11 games over .500, the Giants have put themselves in a strong position. Logan Webb struggled in the first inning and the Giants fell to the Blue Jays, but they'll look to win the series behind surprise starter Keaton Winn tonight.

Switching gears to some mailbag questions, which does the Giants' front office believe is the real version of the team: the one from the first 40 games or the one from the most recent 40 games? The boring and cliché answer is that they most likely view them as the combination of the two. Obviously, however, injuries can play a role. The San Francisco Giants have certainly had their share of injuries this year, and that can change the equation. So can the arrival of young players such as Patrick Bailey, Luis Matos, and Casey Schmitt. Not to mention pitchers like Winn, who has a chance to stick in the Giants' rotation given the quality of his stuff.

Another mailbag question: does the Giants having a good year make it more likely that they are able to sign Shohei Ohtani in the offseason? That certainly appears to be the case, as Ohtani has expressed that winning is his main concern. The Angels have not made the playoffs since Ohtani joined the team. Indeed, if the Giants can have a good season, make the playoffs, and have some playoff success, that would likely have a meaningful influence on their odds of signing the superstar, assuming that's something they want to do. It's hard to imagine that the SF Giants won't be all-in on the greatest player in the game.

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

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 ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

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 have won a ridiculous ten consecutive road games for the first time in a single season since 1952. It's a feat that hadn't been accomplished since the Giants moved to San Francisco. And this was no easy road environment. The Blue Jays are a good team, and Kevin Gausman is a Cy Young contender. And yet, the SF Giants found a way to win again. The Giants' last three road wins were against the powerhouse Dodgers.

Patrick Bailey continues to emerge as a really, really good player for the Giants. Once again he found a way to come up big in a clutch situation, lining a double to right against Gausman in a two-strike count that scored Thairo Estrada, who had just broken up Gausman's no-hit bid. Bailey has been the best catcher in baseball by fWAR since his MLB debut, and it's not even close. He's also been the eighth best position player, period, since his debut (according to fWAR). Bailey threw out another runner last night, and he continues to rank among the best in baseball at pop times and framing.

There's been a lot of talk about whether the San Francisco Giants can sustain all of these "bullpen games," but this wasn't a bullpen game! It was essentially an Alex Wood start. Just imagine that opener Ryan Walker pitched after Wood and no one would bat an eye. The SF Giants only used four pitchers in this shutout win (and they struck out 17, walked none, and allowed zero runs). A true "bullpen game" would consist of at least 7-8 pitchers, maybe more.

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

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 ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

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 midway point of the 2023 MLB season is just three games away; after this large of a sample size, how should we evaluate the San Francisco Giants' offseason? The Giants' offseason was largely defined by the players they didn't sign, from Aaron Judge and Carlos Correa to Carlos Rodón. The Giants did bring back Joc Pederson and bring in Michael Conforto, Mitch Haniger, Sean Manaea, Ross Stripling, Taylor Rogers, and Luke Jackson. Those players have been a mixed bag. None have truly been great, with the exception of perhaps Rogers, and several have been big disappointments. But speaking of big disappointments, check out Carlos Correa's abysmal numbers or consider the fact that Rodón has yet to throw a pitch for the Yankees due to injuries.

The trade deadline is approaching; what are the Giants' needs? It's pretty clear the Giants could use some starting pitching. What would it take to land Marcus Stroman? What about Dylan Cease? Is Shohei Ohtani available, and does he makes sense for the SF Giants? Will the Giants trade Joey Bart? So many questions to consider and we'll have our answers soon enough.

Is it sustainable for the Giants to be doing so many bullpen games? First response would be that they aren't really "bullpen games" in the typical sense. Think of these games as being started by an opener, and then the "long reliever" or "bulk guy" who follows is essentially the starting pitcher, but he takes down the middle innings instead of the first many innings. The team is certainly cognizant of how this might affect their staff. Alex Cobb's imminent return to the Giants' rotation helps, and it seems clear that the Giants' biggest need at the trade deadline would be starting pitching.

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

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 ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

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Although the San Francisco Giants were unable to complete a sweep of the first-place D-backs, there's no taking away from this great stretch of baseball the Giants have played. No team in baseball has a better record than the SF Giants since the start of May. The Giants are in the midst of one of their most daunting portions of the schedule, and they've been absolutely dominant. The Giants swept the Dodgers in LA, they took three of four from the star-studded Padres, and they took two of three against the D-backs, owners of the NL's second best record. This stretch has vaulted the San Francsico Giants into excellent playoff position first first place in the West within their sights.

However, for the Giants, the injuries continue to pile up. So much so that they threaten to derail the SF Giants' strong play. Luke Jackson landed on the IL over the weekend with a low back strain, joining key bullpen pieces John Brebbia and Scott Alexander. Suddenly, the back end of the 'pen is just Camilo Doval, Tyler Rogers, and Taylor Rogers. In the rotation, the Giants are without Alex Cobb, but thankfully he should return on this road trip when the Giants play the Mets. Wilmer Flores is on the IL but should return in the Giants' upcoming series. Mike Yastrzemski went on the IL with a hamstring issue, and his presence will be sorely missed.

Now the Giants head to Toronto, where they'll see old friends Kevin Gausman and Brandon Belt. Gausman is almost certain to pitch in this series, which will be very interesting to see. He's still a great pitcher, and he probably has some extra motivation facing his old team, to which he wanted to return but apparently he did not receive an offer. Belt had a miserable start to his season but has turned it on in a big way as of late.

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

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

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

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 and San Diego Padres have been two of the more fascinating teams in baseball this year. Almost everyone expected the Padres to be among the game's best teams, if not the best, and that the SF Giants would be somewhere around .500. But after 70 or so games, it's the Giants who are about 10 games over .500 and the Padres have struggled pretty much all season, particularly in the run scoring department. Despite having multiple superstar hitters in their lineup!

The differences between these two teams and how they're playing is discussed. The SF Giants have a lot more roster flexibility, and they've been able to target undervalued players and get a lot of production out of them. Think Mike Yastrzemski, Thairo Estrada, LaMonte Wade Jr., and J.D. Davis. The Padres are built mostly through major pieces acquired via trade or free agency, and don't have a lot of young players coming up, which is something that's buoyed the Giants this year.

Luis Matos, Patrick Bailey, and Casey Schmitt, along with pitchers Tristan Beck, Keaton Winn, and Sean Hjelle, have provided a spark for the Giants this season that has their fans excited and the team energized. It's fairly clear that the rookies' arrival and strong performance (for the most par) have breathed life into the team and fanbase. For that reason, and the fact that the Giants are now in a strong playoff position, that it doesn't make sense when people list Giants players among those who might be available at this year'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

🎧 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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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 ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

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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