The Torture Cast

The Giants are sabotaging their path to the playoffs that, 4 weeks ago, was still looking very likely. However, they have gone 9-23 since Aug 5, including a current 6-game losing streak, and now stand at an even .500 and 2.5 games back of the wild card with 22 games remaining. The big issue is not just the 2.5 games, but the fact that they'll have to leapfrog at least 3 teams to get that third spot, with Miami, Cincinnati, and Arizona all ahead of them. The Cubs are now solidly in the second wild card spot and only 1.5 games back of the division after sweeping the Giants. The Giants' playoff chance once stood at 75%, but have plummeted to just 13% on Baseball Reference, which is much lower than the other wild card teams. The reason for that is that the Giants face the Dodgers 7 times while Cincinnati gets to beat up on the weaker teams in baseball. The Giants will have to right the ship with a sweep of Colorado, there really is no way they can lose more series and hope to snag a playoff dance card. We also ta

After a break in recording, we come back to the mic to find the Giants buried in the NL West, but still firmly in the wild card race. With a 7-11 record in August, and the Dodgers going 17-2 during that same period, the Giants are now 11.5 games back with 38 to play, so they can kiss the division title goodbye. That said, the playoffs are still within reach, as they currently hold the second wild card. BUT, 5 teams are all within 1.5 games of each other for the second and third spots, and the Phillies are 2 ahead of that. Speaking of, the Giants have a huge series in Philly, as they try and take advantage of a wild card competitor. After losing 5 consecutive series, and going 2-14 over their last 16 road games, the Giants desperately need some road magic. Kyle Harrison finally gets the call up and will start in Philly on Tuesday...just don't walk half the lineup, kid.www.torturecast.comfacebook.com/torturecasttwitter.com/torturecaston Threads and Instagram...sort of....

During our show today, the Giants made a trade for AJ Pollock and Mark Mathias from the Mariners for our favorite "player to be named later." Other than that, the Giants have less than 24 hours to pull off additional trades, and this one certainly doesn't move the needle with an aging 35-year-old Pollock hitting under .200 on the year and currently on the IL. What is surprising, is despite the 6-game losing streak, the Giants won 4 of 5 and have the third best record in the NL, hold the first wild card spot, and are only 2 games behind the Dodgers. That's a great position to be in. That said, we looked forward to August and what lies ahead is gonna be tough with two series against the Braves, and series against the Rays, Phillies, and Reds. Lots of winning teams coming up, but the Giants have to stay at or above .500 to keep in the race. It's gonna be an interesting month.www.torturecast.comfacebook.com/torturecast@torturecast

Ok, we're borrowing this title from our friends over at Giants Chatter, sue us! The Giants are riding a 5-game winning streak after a sweep of Pittsburgh, and they'll continue their road trip into Cincinnati, DC, and Detroit. During this streak, the Giants have come within 1 1/2 games of the first place Dodgers and have passed the Diamondbacks into second place, while leading the wild card race. This team surprisingly has the second-best record in the majors since May 1. Yeah, April was that bad. Eric and Chad talk about this, the All Star game and break, the MLB draft (Giants had a good one!) and some rumors flying around that Ohtani could land in San Francisco. Oh please, don't get our hope up.www.torturecast.comfacebook.com/torturecast@torturecast and on Threads!

The Giants have cooled off considerably after their 10 game winning streak. They've lost 7 of 10, and although they're currently just outside of a wild card spot, they are only 2.5 games back of Arizona for the NL West...with the Dodgers in between. Eric and Chad chat about the lack of offense over the last 10 games, and look forward to the All Star Break. Although some fans think some Giants were snubbed for the All Star Game, we break it down and come to the conclusion of...not really. Who might the Giants target before the trade deadline? Stroman, Giolito, an empanada?www.torturecast.comfacebook.com/torturecast@torturecast

Since the Giants have won 12 of 14 (including 10 in a row!), they have surged into second place in the NL West, a mere 2.5 games back of Arizona and ahead of the Dodgers. They currently hold a wild card spot, and the 4th best record in the bigs. Eric and Chad review what was the catalyst to this amazing surge, and can the Giants actually sustain it and possibly take the division?@torturecastwww.torturecast.comfacebook.com/torturecast

Eric, Willie, and Chad review the last week in Giants' baseball, and they are HOT and in the hunt. Now 3 games over .500 and holding a wild card spot, the Giants are poised to make a run at the postseason. The bad news is that Mitch Haniger will be out for a couple of months with a broken right forearm, and moments before he was hit by a pitch, J.D. Davis went out with a sprained ankle. The silver lining is the call up of phenom Luis Matos, who made his MLB debut today in St. Louis by lining a single in his first AB. He's the youngest Giant to make his debut since Madison Bumgarner. Keaton Winn made his MLB debut in St. Louis with a 4-inning save, but what's odd is that was the first MLB park he ever set foot in. Should Crawford be the new set up man? Speaking of hot, Pederson is hitting .480 over the past week plus, Doval is a perfect 14/14 in saves, Taylor Rogers has allowed only 1 ER in his last 18.2 IP, and his twin brother Tyler is down to a 1.71 ERA. We also chat about what Joey Bart's future is after b

Two months into the season, and the Giants are hanging around .500, which honestly, is good enough by the time you hit September. They are still relevant in the West, but more so in the NL Wild Card race, where they briefly held the third spot for a couple of days (now 2.5 GB). The rookies Schmitt and Bailey have cooled off, but have earned a lot of respect from the veterans, and they could be here to stay. This begs the question of what to do with Joey Bart? They're going to kick that can down a long road with his "injuries." The bullpen is performing more like we thought, and Camilo Doval was named NL Reliever of the Month, converting all 11 saves, which was the most since Brian Wilson had 11 in September 2010. Zaidi said they will be "aggressive" at the trade deadline, we revisit two ex-Giants who are doing well, and we pay tribute to the "Humm Baby" himself, former Giants manager Roger Craig, who died earlier this week at the ripe age of 93. I was 12 years old when he commanded the 1986 club, famously kno

Chad and Eric discuss the great homestand and week the Giants had, winning 5 of 6 before heading off on a 7 game roadie. Casey Schmitt continues to make a huge impact, and we saw another rookie make his debut on Friday, get his first hit and start on Saturday and his first homer on Sunday. Patrick Bailey is up for an injured Joey Bart, and we'll see who moves off the roster when Bart comes back. The pen is better, the 2-out hits are off the charts, the defense is better. These are all of the elements that were lacking thus far. Now, can the Giants keep it up? We also chat about Correa and Rodon as "what if?" Giants, and we speculate on where MadBum may end up, or if he'll even be signed by anyone.www.torturecast.comtwitter.com/torturecastfacebook.com/torturecastGet 20% OFF @manscaped + Free Shipping with promo code TORTURECAST at MANSCAPED.com! #ad #manscapedpod

In a shorter, conversational-style episode, Willie and Chad look at the bright spots of the Giants' season, despite their current record. The most recent highlight has to be the call-up and performance of Casey Schmitt. Not only does he have a great baseball name, but he has torn it up in his short week, accumulating as many hits (13) in 28 at bats as David Villar has in 88 at bats! (Villar was also just optioned to AAA, so...). Both the Nationals and Braves recently won World Series after very poor starts to the season (Nats were 19-31!), so the season is by no means over, but they are getting buried in the NL West at 8.5 games back of the Dodgers. But, at just 2 games back of the Wild Card, that's going to be their primary target. We also pay homage to Bay Area great Vida Blue, who passed away last week.Twitter @torturecastwww.facebook.com/torturecast

Eric and Chad talk about the first month of Giants baseball, and it's not....good. After a 5 game winning streak, they've lost 4 in a row, and their bullpen continues to be their achilles heel, with a 6.40 ERA, good for 28th. Maricio Dubon exacted a little revenge in game 1 with the Astros, and Mexico City was a damn launching pad on a t-ball field, played with a golf ball. It's not all terrible news as the Giants are "only" 5 games back of the Dodgers. They'd be 9 back in the NL Central. May has started 0-1, but "May"be it'll be better than April?www.torturecast.comfacebook.com/torturecast@torturecast

Ok, that's easier said than done. Ten games in, the Giants find themselves at 4-6, already in last place in the NL West. There have been questionable trades, questionable signings, and questionable managerial decisions. This team is kind of where we expected it to be. Homers, strikeouts, and a revolving roster around mediocrity. Eric and Chad break it all down for you, but our Giants' fandom might be suggesting that we're a bit frustrated already. That's ok. Giants baseball. Nothing like it?torturecast.comfacebook.com/torturecast@torturecastGet 20% OFF @manscaped + Free Shipping with promo code TORTURECAST at MANSCAPED.com! #ad #manscapedpod

It's here, one of our favorite podcasts of the year! Chad and Eric are joined by special guest @StevenRissotto from SFBay and Rizzocast to talk about the Giants' roster, Sergio Romo's final appearance, the WBC, injuries, Brandon Belt punking his friend, Oracle Park media day and food tasting, and the always fun predictions! We throw out our guesses for how many games the Giants will win and read all of your guesses as well! This is a full one folks, settle in for it. The Giants kick off their 2023 season this Thursday at 10am PDT in Yankee Stadium. There's nothing like it? And by the way, this is our 13th season covering Giants' baseball, and we are the longest-running podcast about this team...and apparently we're going to become angsty and experimental soon.@torturecastfacebook.com/torturecastwww.torturecast.com

Would you be pissed if Camilo Doval was injured in the WBC and out of the year? We talk WBC excitement, Giants concerning injuries, Romo retiring as a Giant, and more!www.torturecast.comfacebook.com/torturecast@torturecast

Spring Training is well into action, and although the Giants aren't killing it in terms of their record (who cares?), there are a few guys making a case for the roster. We also chat about the impact of the rule changes so far, the actual shape of the baseball "diamond," and how the larger bases are changing it slightly, and the World Baseball Classic starts this week!www.torturecast.comfacebook.com/torturecast@torturecast

Giants have opened spring training in Scottsdale! The boys talk about the predicted roster, non-roster invitees, FanFest, the new MLB rule changes and more! You can just smell the fresh-cut grass!www.torturecast.com@torturecastwww.torturecast.comfacebook.com/torturecastGet 20% OFF @manscaped + Free Shipping with promo code TORTURECAST at MANSCAPED.com! #ad #manscapedpod

Happy new year! Correa signs with Minnesota after all of the drama, Giants have twins, Conforto to patrol the outfield, Belt to Toronto, Longo to Arizona, Murph retires, 8 players avoid arbitration, Giants sign 23 international prospects, FanFest is Feb 4.www.torturecast.comfacebook.com/torturecast@torturecastGet 20% OFF @manscaped + Free Shipping with promo code TORTURECAST at MANSCAPED.com! #ad #manscapedpod

Consider this a group therapy session, Giants fans. Eric and Chad try and make sense of how and why the Giants essentially walked away from the deal with Carlos Correa in the 11th hour. Just three hours prior to the press conference that would have introduced Correa and his #1 jersey, the Giants contacted his agent, Scott Boras, and told him they needed more time to go over an "issue" they discovered with Correa's physical. Boras gave them 5 hours. The Giants never called him back. So, he hammered out a deal with Mets owner Steve Cohen and behold, Carlos Correa is now a Met. We talk through this and speculate why? Also, why have the Giants not offered any explanation. Aside from a short statement, they've been on radio silence. This is a PR nightmare for the team, the largest botched free agency debacle in MLB history, and an event that will have major ramifications for this franchise for years to come. No biggie, really.www.torturecast.com'facebook.com/torturecastGet 20% OFF @manscaped + Free Shipping with p

Just when you thought that the Giants wouldn't make a big splash, Farhan pulls one out of his hat and signs Carlos Correa to a 13 year, $350 million contract. The Giants finally got their guy. This is in addition to signing Sean Manaea, Mitch Haniger, and Stripling...we think this team is absolutely better than last year's version. And remember, they only missed the playoffs by six games...that's one extra win a month. This new version should be able to do that. Join Chad, Eric, and Willie as we discuss this and more!www.torturecast.com@torturecast

We digest the hot stove action, which unfortunately includes Aaron Judge denying the Giants their big fish, as he signed a 9/360 deal to return to the Yankees. What other free agents should the Giants target? Will this off-season be a failure if they only get Haniger? Plus, Bonds gets rejected in a big way by the HOF veterans committee. Check out this cathartic podcast (for Giants fans, that is!).www.torturecast.comfacebook.com/torturecasttwitter.com/torturecast