Who will be easier to catch - SF or Atlanta?

[Dback Jon]

Dbacks have the 4th best record in the NL 4 games behind both SF and Atlanta.

Who do the Dbacks have a better chance of catching?

 

[Mathew81]

Atlanta will probably be easier just because the Giants have the playoff run experience from last year.

Although, it could depend on which one gets Beltran. Both have really good pitching but need a bat.

 

[Dback Jon]

Atlanta will probably be easier just because the Giants have the playoff run experience from last year.

Although, it could depend on which one gets Beltran. Both have really good pitching but need a bat.

I hope neither gets him!

 

[Ronin]

I think you guys catch up to the Giants.

 

[82CardsGrad]

I think SF's lack of offense, coupled with the fact that their pitching appears to not be as good as last season will make it easier for us to catch them vs Atlanta.

That said, if we don't pick up a quality bat (preferably at first base), I don't think we'll catch either one of them...

 

[Dback Jon]

I think SF's lack of offense, coupled with the fact that their pitching appears to not be as good as last season will make it easier for us to catch them vs Atlanta.

That said, if we don't pick up a quality bat (preferably at first base), I don't think we'll catch either one of them...

It will also depend on WHO they pick up.

I have seen Beltran to SF, and BJ Upton to Atlanta rumors.

 

[82CardsGrad]

It will also depend on WHO they pick up.

I have seen Beltran to SF, and BJ Upton to Atlanta rumors.

No doubt... But - if we can get a legit bat, I actually believe it won't matter who SF picks up. I think we can catch them. If they were to grab Beltran and we do squat, our fate is sealed...

 

[MigratingOsprey]

SF - the d'backs have 9 games remaining vs them compared to only 3 games against the braves

go 7-2 and you are ahead of them, 6-3 you are a game back, 5-4 you trim a game, etc

all things remaining equal, those games are the d'backs season

 

[AZ Native]

I voted SF. However, it is amazing the number of 1 run games they have won. If they continue that pace, I don't see how we could catch them.

I haven't looked it up but I think the number of 1 run games they won from us is larger than their lead. Can they keep it up? Time will tell.

 

[Gaddabout]

San Francisco's bullpen has 2.86 ERA to date. It's only bettered by San Diego, and barely. Even if the Giants starters are just OK, if they hand off a lead to the bullpen 60 percent of the time, they're going to be just about impossible to catch. And they do. They lead the majors with 67 quality starts.

FWIW, Atlanta's bullpen is 5th in the MLB with a 3.09 ERA, but they are having to eat a lot of innings. I would expect them to be easier to catch as we get into mid-August unless they make a deal that changes the dynamics.

 

[82CardsGrad]

San Francisco's bullpen has 2.86 ERA to date. It's only bettered by San Diego, and barely. Even if the Giants starters are just OK, if they hand off a lead to the bullpen 60 percent of the time, they're going to be just about impossible to catch. And they do. They lead the majors with 67 quality starts.

FWIW, Atlanta's bullpen is 5th in the MLB with a 3.09 ERA, but they are having to eat a lot of innings. I would expect them to be easier to catch as we get into mid-August unless they make a deal that changes the dynamics.

Chipper came off the DL today...

 

[Gaddabout]

Chipper came off the DL today...

You think that's a game changer for them? Even when healthy, he's been well off his career numbers the past two years.

 

[Dback Jon]

Atlanta loses to Pittsburgh

 

[Tyler]

I say SF because its just one team. Atlanta could fall off in the wildcard but someone else could get hot and over take them.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

San Francisco's bullpen has 2.86 ERA to date. It's only bettered by San Diego, and barely. Even if the Giants starters are just OK, if they hand off a lead to the bullpen 60 percent of the time, they're going to be just about impossible to catch. And they do. They lead the majors with 67 quality starts.

FWIW, Atlanta's bullpen is 5th in the MLB with a 3.09 ERA, but they are having to eat a lot of innings. I would expect them to be easier to catch as we get into mid-August unless they make a deal that changes the dynamics.

At the same time though Atlanta actually scores runs, 16th in MLB. Once we get to mid-August we will see if San Francisco's pitching staff can weather having to carry the team every night for 162 games after they did it last year too. Being forced to pitch your ass off every night eventually catches up even to guys like the Freak and Cain.

 

[82CardsGrad]

You think that's a game changer for them? Even when healthy, he's been well off his career numbers the past two years.

Chipper is indeed a game-changer. Yes, he's seen his best days. But, coming down the stretch, he's clutch and should add some additional pop & production to that line-up...

 

[Ronin]

If zito started every game for us...youd guys pass us by tomorrow.

Zito has been awful since the day we signed him.

 

[Dback Jon]

Zito starts tonight!

 

[BC867]

Zito starts tonight!

And lost, giving up six runs in seven innings.

 

[Ronin]

Looks like Beltran is headed to the Giants...Imma temper my excitement.

 

[Dback Jon]

That sucks...

 

[Gaddabout]

Sounds like the Braves are going after BJ Upton with McCann hitting the DL today.

 

[AZ Native]

Looks like Beltran is headed to the Giants...Imma temper my excitement.

Why? CB when healthy could be the difference.

 

[Ronin]

Why? CB when healthy could be the difference.

true....but I'm taking a wait and see approach with this trade.

 

[BC867]

true....but I'm taking a wait and see approach with this trade.

It gives the Giants a power bat in the middle of the batting order.

The prospect of a major trade is why I didn't vote in this thread. It was premature before the trading deadline. Now, it sure tilts it . . . unless the Braves pull one off, too.