Rotation Heats Up for the Stretch

The Giants rotation has been formidable of late, losing just three of their past sixteen decisions. Perhaps there is something to said of seasonal play, in which case San Francisco -- 84 and 40 from 2001-4 -- is the best team in September.

The starting five, led by Jason Schmidt -- who may not win 20 games because of feeble run support -- has seen a rejuvanted Brett Tomko and Kirk Reuter. But the real zip has been provided by Noah Lowry , who has not lost yet in a Major League uniform. He is unbeaten in 9 starts.

Alou Continues to Shuffle the Deck

with Rod Munch

San Francisco leads the National League in runs scored, yet has no hitter with 100 RBIs, and only one with more than 20 home runs. Barry Bonds and his .662 OBP might have something to do with that. The team has lacked the clutch hitting that separates the wheat from the chaff. As a team, the Giants have hit .235 with runners in scoring position.

The biggest source of concern however is the No. 5 slot. Hitters behind Bonds have slugged an inexplicable .442, with only 32 extra base hits. Felipe Alou has thus tinkered like a mad-man to find a suitable candidate. J.T.Snow may be his best option. He was hitting .318 through Sunday. Alou meanwhile has used a total of 86 lineups this year -- second most in the majors.