Sell! Sell! Buy?

As pointed out by many, the Giants, in typical 2006 form, have dropped five straight after winning five in a row. While the short term future is virtually non-existent, GM Brian Sabean brought in left-handed reliever Mike Stanton (3-5, 4.47) in a trade with the Washington Nationals, fresh off a sweep of their trade partners. In exchange the Giants gave up 19-year-old right-hander Shairon Martis (6-4, 3.64) from Class A Augusta, not a highly touted prospect but he showed a flash of his potential in the World Baseball Classic.

The horrendous record against last place teams, combined with the feebleness of the geriatric roster has Andrew Baggarly calling for a yard sale, pointing to Jason Schmidt and Ray Durham as potentially attractive merchandise to playoff contenders. In the AAAA National League and weak NL West, however, the Giants remain in the race for October. But, as Bruce Jenkins illustrates, setting our eyes on the playoffs only masks the fact that the Giants are in the worst shape of any team out there.

Aside from the free-falling record and an inability to capitalize in any situation, Giants fans can take solace in the fact that another city outside the Bay Area still shows Barry some love.

Striking fear in the face of Mets fans is always a plus also.