Curveballs and Changeups

The Giants go into the final series before the All-Star break winners of 5 of 7, while the Dodgers bring a 6-game losing streak into SF. LA's hitters are in a funk & bullpen is giving it up. Plus, a look back at Duane Kuiper's weak call on Patrick Bailey's game winning Inside The Park HR and I take a swing at Justin Verlander haters.

The A's and Giants gained more representation on the All Star rosters today: Brent Rooker joined rookie starter Jacob Wilson, while Giants pitchers Logan Webb, Robby Ray and Randy Rodriguez were all added to the NL All Star rosters. Now, the two teams will go after the rubber match after splitting the first two in West Sacramento. Lefty Jacob Lopez goes for the A's and Hayden Birdsong for the Giants.

An embarrassing three-game sweep to the lowly Florida Marlins calls into question how serious the Giants are. I have a little fun & read off some of the frustrations from #sfgiants fans.

The A's try to improve on a hopeful June but have to face the best team in the MLB. Plus, some observations about the "groundbreaking" event in Las Vegas. And more Jenny Cavnar bloopers!

A recap of Sunday's bizarre series finale that ended with the Giants breaking out their bats. I make the case that the Devers Effect was in full effect. Willy Adames showed he is more relaxed with Devers in the lineup. Also, some roster reconstruction analysis.

The Giants got that new shipment of bats I asked for -- from Boston! Buster Posey's bold move to bring elite hitter Rafael Devers to SF instantly remakes the Giants' lineup, shakes up the baseball world and gives the Giants a boost to their playoff hopes.

The A's have won 6 of their last 10 and a lot can be attributed to their pitching staff. But, can they keep it up when they return home, which has been torture on their pitchers? Plus, a hard look at A's PBP TV broadcaster Jenny Cavnar in my new segment, "Harmon the Critic."

If you were one of 53,000 Candlestick Park fans there for a Giants/Dodgers doubleheader, it was one of the most memorable moments in the SF/LA rivalry. Robinson flicking his nose to get under the skin of LA's closer Steve Howe, just weeks off a stint in a rehab stint for cocaine addiction. That story, plus a quick take on the first place tie the two rivals find themselves in.

Do you notice how Bob Melvin shrugs in his postgame interviews? That's just baseball is the body language he exudes. But, even Melvin knew something had to be done when June got off to a slow start. And since the June 4 flurry of moves, the Giants have won 5 straight. But, they're still one of the weakest hitting teams in MLB. Heliot Ramos had some terse things to say about that. Lots to think about as the Giants hit the road for 3 in Colorado and 3 in Los Angeles.

Jerar Encarnacion makes his long awaited return to the Giants after a two month recovery from a broken hand. The news came with the shock that outfielder Luis Matos was sent to Sacramento, meaning LaMonte Wade Jr. stays with SF, to the chagrin of impatient fans. Also, I offer a scouting report for the series with San Diego, and some old school pitchers weigh in on MLB's misuse of pitchers.