Boy oh boy, Giants fans, it's been quite a ride this season. There have been high highs and low lows. It's been a whale of a journey for a team that some thought wouldn't even be in a discussion about postseason play.
But there is a heartbeat out in the City by the Bay.
The Giants have been able to put some things together and stay in chatter about the National League postseason chatter. Is it a stretch to say that San Francisco is the "best team" in the NL right now?
Let's take a look at some things, pointed out in an excellent piece from Keith Law of The Athletic.
San Francisco needed some help mid-season and decided to pick up Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox. Devers had caused a commotion in Boston over where he was playing in the field. There were other distractions at times, too, so he needed a new environment.
Hello, Oracle Park. San Francisco needed an offensive surge in its lineup and Devers fit the description for the Giants. They also have had some support from players like Drew Gilbert at times, too. All the contributions have been necessary for the Giants to have some type of relevancy right now.
"The Giants have turned their offensive season around in recent weeks, and depending on when you pick your end points, they’ve been the best offensive team in baseball for a couple of weeks now," Law wrote.
"They’re hitting .312/.371/.560 in September, which means the entire team is hitting like an MVP candidate this month," Law wrote. "Their strikeout rate has also plummeted, with the lowest rate in the National League. Now, while you might say, 'Sure, but they faced Rockies and Orioles pitchers, so that’s less impressive.' Ah, but that ignores the fact that … actually, no, that does count for a lot. Those pitching staffs have been really bad."
San Francisco has been able to parlay their play against the Colorado Rockies and Baltimore Orioles into some much-needed victories.
A tip of the cap needs to be sent in the direction of Giants manager Bob Melvin. Melvin has found a way to mesh these players together. They are performing at the right time as the MLB season enters its final days.
Matt Chapman also has stepped up and been a steady influence in the Giants' lineup. Without his efforts, San Francisco might have turned into an afterthought right now.
The Giants lost their series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday. They have the day off on Thursday, Sept. 11. San Francisco is 74-72 on the season, but the Giants have gone 7-3 in their last 10 games. They sit eight games behind the NL West Division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers and two games out of an NL Wild Card spot.
That division title might not be in the cards this season. But a Wild Card position? It is very much in play.
Look out, Giants fans. There might be some postseason fun in your future.