It sure seems like the Mets believe. Our believer and our sourpuss breakdown the dbags series before debating whether the Giants will actually make the playoffs. Matthew brings stats, good vibes and gumption to the debate and Ben brings ... well, himself. Do the Giants have enough starting pitching? Is the bullpen up for the task? Can we trust this offense?

Our cocktail podcast, The Perfect Sip, is on hiatus but new episodes are in production. (Yeah, it's taking a long time ... life, you know?) If you haven't listened yet, you can catch up here: https://the-perfect-sip.captivate.fm/listen

Speaking of cocktails, today Matthew is drinking an Apple Sauced while Ben is drinking a Fall Fashioned. Recipes below.

Apple Sauced

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 3/4 oz Maple Syrup
• 3/4 oz Lemon Juice
• 2 oz Hard Cider
• 1 pinch Cinnamon
• Shake the bourbon, lemon juice, and maple syrup with ice. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass and top with cider. Sprinkle with cinnamon and garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple fan/slice (or both!)

Fall Fashioned

• 2 1/2 oz Whisky
• 1/4 - 1/2 Cinnamon Clove Simple Syrup
• 2 dashes Paychaud’s (or Angostura) bitters
• Orage twist
• A lot of brandied cherries
• To make the cocktail, combine the whisky, syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir to you desired dilution. Strain into a rocks glass and add a single large chunk of ice. Express the twist over the glass, and drop in to the glass. Add your cherries on a cocktail pick, or just drop them in the glass too.
• To make the syrup, combine 1-2 cinnamon sticks and 3-7 cloves with 1 part water and 1 part in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and let it steep until cool.

#doitforginny