Giants Derail Tampa

The Giants are making the most of their opposition these days. With their last six series coming against the-ahem-Expos, Rockies (twice), D-Backs (twice) and as of today the D-Rays, Felipe Alou's men must consider themselves lucky not to be dead and buried in the NL West. With rumors that less than two weeks ago GM Brian Sabean was on the verge of breaking up the team, it has only one scapegoat--Jeffrey Hammonds--to show for it. Said Sabean:

"I was dead serious. We had to do something to stem the tide, and they did it themselves. I was very close to doing something, but they saved themselves from themselves."

Not very encouraging. With the 7-3 win today, the Giants have pulled into a season-tying best two games above 500. After being swept at home by Pittsburg, they have won 15 of their last 20 games, and five out of their last six series. It won't last. Indeed, judging from the schedule, the Giants little revolution will be as shortlived as it was improbable. Unfortunately for now, instead of dealing for (among other things) a reliable starting pitcher, the team has been left virtually intact--give or take the rise and fall of a few unlofty prospects. Sabean will be unwilling to make trades because he knows his team is too far behind in the race to catch up. The race for the division is so wide open that the Giants don't need to increase the payroll. Sabean then could be sure of at least one thing: without his help the Giants will be comdemned to come completely unstuck, completely unassisted.