Last Place Limbo

What is below the cellar?

After dropping 8 games in a row, seven of them to the last-place Nationals and Pirates, the Giants are surely playing like they belong underneath the National League floorboards. Critics point to a myriad of causes, from Benitez's inability to save games to the Giants' suddenly shaky defense and (of course) to the disappearance of the powerfully compact, elbow-armored swing that sent so many balls into McCovey Cove. In spite of all the possibilities, Coley Harvey insists the most frustrating part is all the crooked numbers these NL walkovers are putting up against the Giants.

It's true that the dangerous innings that turn into four and five runs prove most discouraging, but even when the games are close the results are maddening. So dejecting are the losses that general manager Brian Sabean entertained offers for staff ace Jason Schmidt, though he was quick to point out that none of the offers were adequate.

While losing streaks tend to shake things up, however, it's (somewhat) reassuring to know that Bonds still hold some degree of intimidation, writes Rich draper.