Three questions before we leave

Giants 4, Rockies 3

Three questions I’m wondering as we head into the season finale. And as a bonus: no, I’m not wondering if they’ll finish 81-81 or 80-82. I’m more interested when they’ll be 91-71 or 90-72.

1. Can Willy Adames hit No. 30?

The Giants are on the cusp of going 21 seasons without having a player hit 30 home runs. It’s amazing, really. Adames, with 29 home runs, should get four or so cracks at ending the drought. He’s never faced Colorado starter McCade Brown, but Brown’s 7.54 ERA would tell you the ball may, indeed, fly out of the yard.

Kerry and I have discussed the streak at length on the podcast. I’ve said I don’t want Adames to break the record in what’s been another forgettable season. Kerry predicted weeks ago that Adames would hit a walk-off for No. 30 to push the Giants to 81-81. Welp, I hate to say it’s possible.

2. What’s left to say?

It’s become a tradition after the last home game of the year, a few players will speak to the fans on the field. Matt Chapman ended on this note last year:

“When we end the season like this next year we’re going to be going to the playoffs. We’re not done.”

Hm. Only makes another lost year sting a little more.

As a fan, that’s what I want to hear. But if you said that after last year’s 80-82 season, what do you say after finishing 80-82 again? Maybe Chapman doesn’t say anything. I wouldn’t blame him. Give the mic to Drew Gilbert.

3. Who says goodbye?

It’s definitely going to be graduation day for some. I expect Wilmer Flores to start in what’s likely to be his last game as a Giant. Is this the last we see of Heliot Ramos? A trade wouldn’t be all that surprising. The outfield defense has to get better.

Justin Verlander, Jerar Encarnacion, Andrew Knizer: so long, farewell.

And then there’s Bob Melvin. If it’s not the manager’s last day, it will be for some of his coaches. It’s hard to say who. Any move would be justified. The MelvinMeter™️ sits at a 78% chance for the skipper to return. We’ll know in a few days—maybe sooner than that.

Up next: Logan Webb (14-11, 3.30 ERA) takes the ball one last time. He’s on the verge of leading the league in innings pitched for the third straight year. The Giants are lucky to have him, and for whatever reason, I especially love watching him on Sunday afternoons. He starts a lot of those home games. Enjoy the last innings of 2025.