June 24, 2004
Giant Hubbub
Three in a row against the Dodgers. A game and a half lead in the I-got-it-you-take-it NL west. Who are these Giants? Last night on Baseball Tonight, Gammons held up his hand and admitted that he gave them up for dead. He wasn’t alone.
As for me, I’m still not convinced. You win in bunches like this, you can lose in bunches like this. I don’t believe the Giants will be able to hang on to this mediocre division if the Padres and/or Dodgers make a big trade. If, on the other hand, the Giants make a move, things could stay interesting.
I’m actually all in favor of the Giants mortgaging their future for today. Bonds is done after next year, more or less. Even if he’s still around in 2006, he will be fading fast. In a weak division like this one, it’s probably time to sell off more of what you’ve got in order to take one last shot.
This year, oddly enough, I think there are players on the major-league roster who could be traded. Feliz or Alfonzo. Torrealba or Pierzynski. I am not convinced that just getting pitching help will save this team, though. As weak as their starters are and as questionable as the bullpen can be, I think the Giants’ biggest weakness is still their line-up. If you disagree, no problem — there are plenty of weaknesses to go around.
If Kevin Towers makes a move and gets rid of Nevin or Klesko, though, watch out. Those Padres are coming on. As will DePodesta’s Dodgers. In 2005 or 2006, the Giants will be in third or fourth place. I guarantee it. The future is now.
