Giants

Starting tonight, the Giants take on the Dodgers in Chavez Ravine for a three-game series. This stint in LA begins a stretch of 12 out of 16 games against division opponents. If the Giants stand a chance of making the playoffs, they need to perform against their NL West foes. Starting the season 9-20 against these teams does not say "playoff caliber." These next 16 games can make or break the Giants playoff chances. Play well and win the series against the Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Rockies, and the Giants could very well find themselves nose to nose with the Padres for the division lead. Play poorly and they could all of a sudden fall to the NL West cellar. This weekend against the Mets, Giants starters did what they couldn't the first two weeks of July: go deep into starts. Lincecum, Zito, Cain, and Sanchez racked up 31 innings in 4 games for a combined ERA of 1.16. If Giants starters can continue to hold opponents, and key players including Buster Posey, Pablo Sandoval, Aubrey Huff, and Freddy Sanchez produce at the plate, the Giants could compete with any team in the Big Leagues. Let the fun begin!