We were at the Tuesday 5/9 game against the Nationals with friends (including some of our favorite winemakers) and we were privileged to witness an iconic moment in Giants baseball history – the first game for infielder Casey Schmitt. The 24-year-old out of the River Cats was a high draft choice, had a reputation as an infielder with a soft glove and a rocket arm, and a great bat.  He was at shortstop because Crawford was injured (Casey worships Craw and wears the same headband under his hat). This was his first game and 40 members of his family from San Diego attended. Our seats are right below the Giants family seating section (in 118) and they were yelling and screaming 10 rows above us. 

The Giants faithful were getting down in the dumps after the early April series losses to the Marlins and those ***** from LA.  However, the G-Men came roaring back at home with a 5-game win streak that included a split of the series against the Mets and taking three out of four from the Paul Goldschmidt-led Cardinals (he owns the Giants and should have been walked every at-bat). 

It sure would have been nice had the G-Men picked up a couple of wins in Miami against the Marlins this week, but it was not to be.  So far on this road trip, the Giants have dropped 2 to Detroit and 2 to Miami, with one road game left to play.  Thank God for the rain out against the Tigers. Not a good week.

In 2023 MLB is starting with new rules designed to make the game go faster, the offense go larger and the defense more challenged.  No more shift so the short fielder in right is gone which should improve the batting average of every left-handed hitter on the team (here’s looking at you Joc Peterson and Yaz). The bases are larger which makes them easier to steal and the pitch count clock forces a “ball” if the pitcher dithers and a “strike” if the batter spends too much stepping out of the box like a prima donna.  The changes are working, pre-season games are playing out in 2 hours and the game looks invigorated.  Just don’t leave the seats too soon to get that hot dog or crab sandwich or you might miss a rally.

They should, but it will take some major moves to turn this team into a playoff contender again. Meanwhile we will watch the LA Team and the Padres fight it out for NL West dominance – and for the playoffs (which get less interesting all the time, unless the Yankees beat the Astros).