The Table is Set

Today provided an appropriate off-day for baseball's most mysterious team. After defeating the Reds in a pivotal rubber match, the Giants head into San Diego for a series of such importance, I'm not even going to try to put it into a single word. The G-Men are sitting 3.5 games back in both the Wild Card and Division races. Linden continues to impress with his glove and credited the entire team with the victory. Maybe most importantly--for the present and future--was the performance of Jonathan Sanchez. The southpaw threw 5 2/3 of three-hit, one-run ball and composed himself well. Assuming that Sanchez's performance was not an aberration, the future rotation holds promise. Lowry and Cain have proved themselves of being very competent pitchers at some points this season, and though inconsistent for much of the year, the talent is there. Sanchez seems like another good option, and Brad Hennessy will always be a decent 5th starter. If Schmidt doesn't return, there will be a glaring hole at the top of the rotation, however.

With the season-long resurgence of Ray Durham, GM Brian Sabean will have some tough decisions to make regarding the second-baseman's future. Additionally, Bonds and Hillendbrand have put on hitting clinics recently and will make this off-season the most scrutinized--and important--of Sabean's tenure.

But we're going to keep our minds off of that steaming issue here at HMB and try to enjoy the remainder of this maddening season. Stay tuned this weekend.