Division Climb

The Giants are glad they have seen the last of the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Washington Nationals. For the next 19 games they can focus on their division foes, against whom they fare much better (21-20), although still not an ideal mark. The San Jose Mercury News provides an in-depth breakdown of the upcoming stretch, even providing some shocking evidence. Take, for example, the fact that Rockies starters lead the NL in ERA.

After Colorado the Giants leave 24 Willie Mays Plaza for an 11-day road trip through Arizona, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Some keys for the intra-division games may seem obvious and fundamental, but those are the qualities the Giants haven't exactly had recently: the middle of the order must (follow Ray Durham) and wake up, bringing home runners in scoring position when there are less than two outs. Against the Nationals it seemed that the Giants floundered in a number of these situations. Moises Alou's recent four-hit performance is definitely a step in the right direction.



Further proof that some things never change (or if they do, not for very long):

• We may see Snow in June again. I have been missing the Snow Pack sign in the View Reserve level.
• Pedro Feliz no longer selective. Frankly we here at HMB are shocked, utterly shocked.
• Another Bonds ball sold. Andrew "I am a Barry Bonds fan and I am a Giants fan [even though I am whipped and getting hot dogs for my wife when Bonds is batting]" Morbitzer (right) raked in $220,100 for the ball, saying he will donate 10 percent to charity.

As earlier mentioned the HMB crew will be on hand for tonight's game against the Rockies.