Locked On Giants – Daily Podcast On The San Francisco Giants

We told you the San Francisco Giants bullpen was better than what they showed in the first month of the season. In a dramatic turnaround, the SF Giants' bullpen has a 2.92 ERA in the month of May, second-best in the National League. The Giants have gone with bullpen games in two of the last four contests, and they've allowed a total of one run in those 18 innings. Sean Manaea has pitched five innings in those two games, with a strikeout rate north of 50%.

On the offensive side, who else but Michael Conforto? He went 4-for-4 with a walk and a homer as the SF Giants cruised to a victory over Milwaukee. LaMonte Wade Jr. had three hits, and the rookies, Casey Schmitt and Patrick Bailey, also came up with nice nights offensively. It was notable that Brandon Crawford sat for the second time in three days against a right-handed pitcher. His struggles at the plate and in the field have been an issue, and Schmitt may begin to take over as the primary shortstop given his play.

Finally, with respect to the Giants' defense, they rebounded from an ugly defensive game in the finale in Minnesota to play great defense in last night's win. Mike Yastrzemski robbed Darin Ruf of a home run, J.D. Davis made a nice barehanded play on a ground ball, and just in general, despite leading the league in errors (apparently), they have actually been a good defensive team by the more advanced metrics. Simply by watching the games we should be able to tell that they've been much better defensively than they were last season.

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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The San Francisco Giants already made one high-profile extension during the 2023 season, agreeing to terms on a deal with Logan Webb that tacked on three more years to the three years he was already under club control. When it comes to J.D. Davis, LaMonte Wade Jr., and Thairo Estrada, should the Giants consider doing the same thing? Davis is two years from free agency, Wade is three years away, and Estrada is four years away. So the most urgent case, if they view him as a big part of their future, would be with Davis. It's also worth asking whether Casey Schmitt, Patrick Bailey, or any other prospects (like Kyle Harrison, Luis Matos, and/or Marco Luciano should be under consideration for extensions.

Among the other mailbag questions addressed on today's episode: If Bailey shows he’s capable to stay up in the majors, do you think Joey Bart gets traded? How excited should we be about Luis Matos, as he looks to be close? If Matos earns a promotion to the big leagues, who does he replace? Or is his only path this year through injury? How will the Giants handle it if Brandon Crawford continues to struggle so badly, even when given time off and platooned? Is it possible that he might be DFA'd midseason if these issues at the plate keep up? What do you think the chances are of Crawford returning next season, seeing how he’s on the Posey Plan of 2 on, 1 off?

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

RocketMoney

Stop throwing your money away. Cancel unwanted subscriptions -- and manage your expenses the easy way -- by going to RocketMoney.com/lockedonmlb. 

Birddogs

Today's episode is brought to you by Birddogs. Go to birddogs.com/lockedonmlb and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONMLB, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order.

Sorare

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eBay Motors

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Built Bar

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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.

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One day after a dramatic comeback win, the San Francisco Giants played extremely ugly baseball in a loss to the Twins in the series finale. It all began in the first inning, when the SF Giants had things set up beautifully against Joe Ryan, who's been one of the game's best pitchers this season. The Giants had runners on second and third with nobody out, but they were unable to score. That type of situation came up again and again, and the SF Giants were consistently unable to capitalize.

The Giants also had major defensive issues in the loss. Michael Conforto let a ball sail over his head. Blake Sabol had a costly passed ball. Brandon Crawford clanked two easily catchable balls, one a throw from Sabol and one a routine grounder that should've ended an inning. Brett Wisely also let a routine ground ball go right through him.

What is the level of concern with Crawford? He's not hitting at all (although he did have a good offensive game today), but he also looks very much not like himself on defense. And what can the SF Giants do with Craw if they determine he's simply no longer their best option at short? And what is the level of concern with Mitch Haniger, who remains in a very deep slump at the plate? Finally, the latest on exciting Giants minor leaguers in Triple-A Luis Matos and Kyle Harrison is discussed.

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

RocketMoney

Stop throwing your money away. Cancel unwanted subscriptions -- and manage your expenses the easy way -- by going to RocketMoney.com/lockedonmlb. 

Birddogs

Today's episode is brought to you by Birddogs. Go to birddogs.com/lockedonmlb and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONMLB, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order.

Sorare

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eBay Motors

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Built Bar

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The San Francisco Giants looked like they were on their way to a huge game, scoring four runs four batters into their game last night against the Twins. But those would be the only runs the SF Giants would score. However, it didn't ultimately matter, as the Giants' pitching—in a bullpen game—made those runs hold up. Michael Conforto had the big swing for the Giants in the first, as he hit a three-run homer following LaMonate Wade Jr.'s leadoff walk (what else is new?), Mike Yastrzemski's walk, and J.D. Davis' double.

John Brebbia, Sean Manaea, Tristan Beck, Tyler Rogers, and Scott Alexander held the Twins to one run in nine innings of work. Manaea's outing stands out in particular. He's struggled mightily as a Giant, but he was overpowering when he was in the strike zone, racking up eight strikeouts in 3.2 innings of work. Beck was also impressive over 2.2 innings but did allow a solo homer.

The SF Giants' youth movement, headlined by Casey Schmitt and Pat Bailey, is exciting. But is Schmitt chasing too much? Schmitt is literally swinging at half of all pitches out of the strike zone, and his overall swing rate is the highest in MLB (min. 50 PA). Will he be able to sustain success with these kinds of rates? It's definitely something to monitor going forward, and it is at the very least some cause for concern.

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

RocketMoney

Stop throwing your money away. Cancel unwanted subscriptions -- and manage your expenses the easy way -- by going to RocketMoney.com/lockedonmlb. 

Birddogs

Today's episode is brought to you by Birddogs. Go to birddogs.com/lockedonmlb and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONMLB, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order.

Sorare

Head to sorare.com/lockedon to draft your free team of player cards, set your lineup, and start competing today to win epic rewards.

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.

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.

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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Are you not entertained? Patrick Bailey, the San Francisco Giants' first-round pick in 2020, had a weekend to remember. He singled and homered as he helped lead the SF Giants to a series win over the Marlins. He also did a great job behind the plate, showing off his skills as a framer. Casey Schmitt, likewise, continued to display his plus defense and ability to put the bat on the ball and make good things happen.

The youth movement has a chance to continue as well, with top Giants prospects Kyle Harrison and Luis Matos in Triple-A. Matos is not far removed from being ranked No. 35 on FanGraphs' Top 100 prospects list, but a down 2022 season moved him off their 2023 list completely. However, Matos has rebounded in a major way, starting the season in Double-A, a level higher than he'd ever played before, and quickly earning a promotion to Sacramento. In a handful of games for the River Cats, Matos has continued to hit and defend. He appears very close to MLB ready and could be an option at any moment.

Alex Wood was once again frustrated about being pulled in the fifth inning, but once again it was a completely defensible time for San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler to take him out. Logan Webb has been pitching great and lowered his ERA to 2.90, but came out with low back tightness. Webb and the Giants expect him to be okay. Finally, the SF Giants will reunite with Carlos Correa tonight as they head to Minnesota to take on the Twins.

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

RocketMoney

Stop throwing your money away. Cancel unwanted subscriptions -- and manage your expenses the easy way -- by going to RocketMoney.com/lockedonmlb. 

Birddogs

Today's episode is brought to you by Birddogs. Go to birddogs.com/lockedonmlb and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONMLB, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order.

Sorare

Head to sorare.com/lockedon to draft your free team of player cards, set your lineup, and start competing today to win epic rewards.

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.

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.

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 are making moves! A little more than a week ago, Casey Schmitt was promoted to the majors, and his performance to date has been nothing short of exciting. Today, the SF Giants announced that they've promoted their 2020 first-round selection Patrick Bailey, a catcher, and right-handed reliever Ryan Walker to the major league team.

Joey Bart went on the IL with a groin injury, and Ross Stripling went on the IL with a low back strain. Cal Stevenson was DFA'd and Heliot Ramos was placed on the 60-day IL with an oblique injury. Bailey has a chance to stick on the MLB roster. Bart simply hasn't hit enough since making his debut in 2020 to feel too comfortable about his position on the roster. While he's made strides both at the plate and behind it, his free-swinging ways are not valued by this front office, while Bailey is far more of a patient hitter who fits the mold of what Farhan Zaidi and company like.

Blake Sabol has also done quite well as a hitter (and he has that patience/power approach that the SF Giants like), so it's entirely possible that if Bailey performs well offensively while Bart is on the IL, that Bart is optioned to Sacramento. This is assuming that Bailey performs well defensively, and Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area has reported on multiple occasions that several Giants officials believed Bailey was their best defensive catcher in MLB camp this year.

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

Today's episode is brought to you by Birddogs. Go to birddogs.com/lockedonmlb and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONMLB, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order.

Sorare

Head to sorare.com/lockedon to draft your free team of player cards, set your lineup, and start competing today to win epic rewards.

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.

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.

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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San Francsico Giants third baseman J.D. Davis is having a breakout season. Meanwhile, Giants rookie Casey Schmitt has taken the league by storm in his first week-plus in the majors. SF Giants legendary shortstop Brandon Crawford is off to a slow start following a disappointing 2022, and this year's upcoming free agent class is light on shortstops.

For the Giants, the writing is sort of on the wall. If Davis continues to play like has has through the first quarter of the season, it's hard to imagine the SF Giants doing anything but continuing to play him at third nearly every day. Davis could always hit, but he's broken out defensively. Schmitt, meanwhile, is a natural third baseman but has proven to be a capable shortstop, and he has somewhat indisputably the best throwing arm among MLB infielders already.

So, looking ahead to next season (and even the rest of this season perhaps), it's not hard to envision that Davis will be entrenched at third base, Schmitt will have an opportunity to become the SF Giants' primary shortstop, Thairo Estrada will be at second base nearly every day, and LaMonte Wade Jr. will keep doing his thing at first base.

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

Today's episode is brought to you by Birddogs. Go to birddogs.com/lockedonmlb and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONMLB, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order.

Sorare

Head to sorare.com/lockedon to draft your free team of player cards, set your lineup, and start competing today to win epic rewards.

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.

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.

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)

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

The San Francisco Giants are 5-1 against last year's World Series representatives. The Giants won two of three from the defending champion Astros, and they just swept the Phillies out of town. These games against the Phillies weren't easy, but the bullpen absolutely held strong and the SF Giants singled Philadelphia to death.

The SF Giants had 21 hits in these last two games, and 20 of them were singles. The Giants' only extra-base hit was a popup that was lost in the twilight. Ross Stripling looked much better in his start today before things unraveled in the fourth, and he had to come out with low back tightness. But the SF Giants' four-run first and a late rally, coupled with strong work from the 'pen for the second straight day (after Alex Cobb had a short start) led to two more victories.

In other news, top Giants prospect Luis Matos was promoted to Triple-A. He was doing fantastic in Double-A, and this is a great development for a player who is about a year removed from being a somewhat consensus Top 50 prospect. Matos is only 21 years old and is a righty outfielder. Giants president of baseball operations joined KNBR to discuss Matos' promotion and also spoke on what Kyle Harrison needs to work on before being promoted to the majors.

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

Today's episode is brought to you by Birddogs. Go to birddogs.com/lockedonmlb and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONMLB, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order.

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The San Francsico Giants badly needed a win, and they got one thanks to a big six-run second inning. Michael Conforto continued his torrid week, hitting a three-run homer that turned a one-run deficit into a two-run lead. And the SF Giants kept adding on, with key hits from the likes of Mitch Haniger and Brandon Crawford, both of whom failed to deliver with the bases loaded in the first inning.

Alex Wood was good in his first start since coming off the IL with a hamstring injury. He surrendered a two-run homer in the second inning, but other than that he was fairly sharp and his stuff was good. There was some controversy, however, when Gabe Kapler pulled Wood after 4.2 innings, one out away from qualifying for a win. But this is a non-story, a non-controversy. Wood was on a strict pitch count since he's coming off the IL. He knew about it before the game, and he had already exceeded his pitch limit. Under other circumstances, perhaps let him get a shot to finish the fifth. But in this case, it was an easy call and shouldn't be controversial whatsoever.

The SF Giants continued to play pretty good defense. Bryce Johnson, Casey Schmitt, and J.D. Davis made very nice and important plays at various points in the game. Schmitt also had a couple more hits including a double. Also, before the game, the Giants made a couple of roster moves, putting Joc Pederson on the IL with a hand contusion after he was hit by a pitch in Arizona. In a corresponding move, Mike Yastrzemski made a sooner-than-expected return to the active roster after injuring his hamstring in Mexico City.

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

Birddogs

Today's episode is brought to you by Birddogs. Go to birddogs.com/lockedonmlb and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONMLB, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order.

Sorare

Head to sorare.com/lockedon to draft your free team of player cards, set your lineup, and start competing today to win epic rewards.

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.

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.

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)

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

The San Francisco Giants continue to find ways to lose. They frequently jump out to early leads, but their NL-worst bullpen has coughed up those leads on multiple occasions. John Brebbia served as an opener and pitched a clean inning, and the Giants jumped out to a 3-0 lead, but Ross Stripling's absolutely miserable season continued to he gave the lead right back.

They get brilliant outings from Anthony DeSclafani and Logan Webb, but on those days the offense can't provide enough run support. Indeed, the SF Giants are just stuck in a miserable rut of losing, and it's been going on ever since a 13-5 start to the 2022 season. There are reasons for optimism, however.

They have several pitchers and position players performing at a very high level (Webb, Alex Cobb, DeSclafani, Thairo Estrada, LaMonte Wade Jr., J.D. Davis). Literally all of their free-agent signings from this offseason have track records of being at least average and often much better than that, and they're all performing well below their career numbers. Career numbers matter more when projecting forward than six weeks of a season.

But the Giants' position in the standings is not good, and they need to start winning some games—soon. They face a team in the Phillies that will likely end up in wild card territory starting tonight, so it's important for the Giants to have a good series.

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

Today's episode is brought to you by Birddogs. Go to birddogs.com/lockedonmlb and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONMLB, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order.

Sorare

Head to sorare.com/lockedon to draft your free team of player cards, set your lineup, and start competing today to win epic rewards.

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.

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.

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)

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