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Checking in on Where the Giants are now that May is Here
We are in the second month of the season.
We were getting a little concerned about the team last week when they lost two in a row to the Padres and started the series against the Rockies with a loss. But they quickly righted the ship, taking three of four against the Rockies (as we should when playing the Rockies) and then two out of three from the NL Central leading Cubs at Wrigley. An especially sweet week.
There are no real complaints about the performance of this team. The G-Men are 24-14 and in a virtual tie with the Padres and LA for the top of the NL West (which is the toughest division in MLB right now). I cannot remember the last season where the Giants had a winning record of any kind at the beginning of May (much less being 10 games over .500). There is much to celebrate and look forward to, including coming home next week for a good stretch.
Do I have my concerns about some of the pitchers? Yes. Is the offense as consistent as I would like? It could be more consistent
This is the most satisfying start to a season I recall in a long time (since the days of Timmy and Buster and before them, Barry).
Who is performing, and who is not?
The man of the day is Wilmer Flores, leading the team in RBI’s and tied for the lead in dingers (with 7) with Matt Chapman. Wilmer, of the Friends theme walkup, is an RBI machine but right behind him are a host of players, including Jung Hoo Lee with a 301. BA and 27 runs scored, Matt Chapman with (besides his power and defense) 5 stolen bases (right with the currently injured but lightning-fast Tyler Fitzgerald – and Voss coming in has played well). Everywhere you look, from Patrick Bailey to Ramos (and Matos in the last series), the Giants are playing inspired ball.
The only downside is the failure of the club to get Justin Verlander a win (because it seems they always blow a late inning lead and then come back at the end – witness the 9-run 11th inning against the Cubs a few days ago). Otherwise, the pitching has been nails. Webb, Hicks, Robby Ray and (just up) Kyle Harrison are all performing and the bullpen (Doval, Rodgers and Walker especially) are doing their job.
The bottom line is that the 2025 Giants, the team of Buster Posey and Bob Melvin, are doing exactly what they should be doing – playing good ball, winning series and progressing with discipline and good vibes through the beginning of what bodes to be a good season.
The Upcoming series – Snakes, A’s and Royals
The Snakes are the only division opponents to come up in the next week of games, but it’s an important series because they are playing better than .500 ball and are only 2 games behind the Giants in the standings. This will be an important series. Watch for their stars, including Corbin Carrol with 11 dingers and 30 runs scored, and Josh Naylor batting .297 to lead the offense behind Zac Gallen and Brandon Pfaadt (who I have never seen but he has 6 wins).
Then the A’s come into town from their temporary home in Sacramento. They are 20 and 18 and playing good ball behind Sears, Miller and Springs on the mound and Tyler Soderstrom, Brent Rooker and Jacob Wilson hitting out of their minds (as they prepare for Vegas).
Finally, the 23 and 16 Royals come in for a series. Bobby Witt (23 RBI’s, 13 SB and 25 runs) is the man for the Royals, and Kris Bubic has been shutting down offenses with dominant performances and a 1.69 ERA.
Notice a trend here? None of the teams coming in for these upcoming series have losing records so the next two weeks will be a test. There are plenty of games available so look long and hard at your schedule.
On the Board ready for pick up are:
MON 5/12 [6:45] Snakes – (2) [I’m going to this game]
TUES 5/13 [6:45] Snakes (4) – Korean Heritage Night
WED 5/14 [12:45] Snakes (4)
FRI 5/16 [7:15] A’s (4)
SAT 5/17 [6:05] A’s [4] – Puffer Vest Day
MON 5/19 [6:45] Royals (2)
·TUES 5/20 [6:45] Royals (4)
Let the torture continue.
Ciao, and GO GIANTS!
The Czar
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THE PROTOCOL: The firm has four seats in Section 118 (Premium Lower Boxes), Rows 25 and 26. These are awesome seats directly below the press box and 25 rows behind the home plate on the left side behind the screen. It is foul ball territory for left-handed batters so bring your glove – I have collected 22 foul balls myself over 23 years and am looking for more. If we don’t use all the tickets ourselves (or clients and friends of the firm don't claim them by calling me and reserving a game), then my next step is to give the tickets TO THE FIRST PERSON WHO GETS BACK TO ME PROVIDED THAT THEY ARE SERIOUS. If you ask for the tickets and don't use them, you will be taken off the list unless there is a seriously good reason. There will be a waitlist.
When there are four seats available (we split up a lot of games) we will allocate the tickets two and two if the first people back just want two tickets. You can also go for four and might get them. I'm the Czar, my call.
Oh, and BTW, The Czar found the original Hinman & Carmichael brick from 2000 (after looking for it every year since 2000) and found H&C’s Gotham Club Founders Bat! If you are on the patio, or in the Club, look for the symbols of baseball!
