Sep 21, 2020
With a week left in the regular season, the San Francisco Giants are still thinking about the playoffs.
For a team that entered the year expecting to prioritize opportunities for younger and inexperienced players, the fact the Giants still have a realistic shot of playing into October is a step in the right direction.
Under the leadership of Farhan Zaidi and Gabe Kapler, the Giants have squeezed more production than anyone thought imaginable out of an offense that's been elite at its home ballpark this season. And with the Giants playing their final eight games inside Oracle Park, there's reason to believe the club can actually complete a surprise run and sneak into the playoffs.
The Giants looked overmatched and miserable in their first two games against the Oakland A's this weekend, but the club was reenergized by a 14-2 victory in the series finale that sets the team up well for a pivotal set against the Colorado Rockies.
With Rockies star Nolan Arenado questionable to play due to a shoulder injury, both teams could be down their best hitter as its unclear when Giants outfielder Mike Yastrzemski will be ready to return from a right calf strain. The Giants have the deeper roster and the better bullpen, but the Rockies have won more head-to-head matchups against Kapler's club this season.
With eight games left on the schedule, our SF Giants Gameday podcast looks at where the Giants stand in the postseason picture and what's left to accomplish this week.