Zooming Out

At first the change is subtle, but in the end the shift in thinking from next series to next spring training is undeniable. Same with the use of "we" to "I". The Giants had plenty to think about in their off day travelling from Phoenix to Los Angeles, where they will face a white hot Dodger team that has won 11 of its last 12. Los Angeles (of Los Angeles) GM Ned Colletti, credits a portion of his recent success to his experience with the Giants, having worked for 11 years under GM Brian Sabean.

But the Giants and the media surrounding them don't seem to be talking about the intra-state rivalry (warning: spoilers), or, more importantly, how to address the team's many holes. Barry Bonds (personal site), unsigned next year, contemplates a future in coaching, perhaps at Arizona State University, his alma mater. This coming as he closes in on godfather Willie Mays' mark of 1,903 career RBIs (8th all-time). Bonds has 1,901. Meanwhile talk about future starting roles for either Kevin Correia or Brad Hennessey floats through the clubhouse, perhaps all but dooming Jamey Wright's future with the team.

Everyone looks forward because the present is so damn depressing, and with every additional loss the dizzying fall continues, even if the standings still read 4.5 GB. Steve Finley voiced his distaste for platooning in the outfield, although he should probably appreciate the playing time given his unimpressive statistics and inability to move runners over, let alone drive them in. But the distant future does not soothe our present frustration, instead presents an enormous question mark.