James, wondered how long before I'd see you post something.
The wire to wire thing is not as difficult as it used to be. I saw the stats last night and noticed it had only been done 4 times before the 90's. It's been done 5 times in the last 6 years. This is where comparing stats from years gone by needs alot of asterisks.
I heard the blowhard from Phoenix, Steve Lyons, talking about how the DBacks have been in the post season in consecutive years, a feat the Giants haven't done since their move to SF. Again, when the divisions are much smaller, those statements hold alot less weight. The field of playoff teams went from 4 to 8 in the last few years. Of course you can't compare stats before 6 divisions and 2 wild cards, unbalanced schedules and inter-league play. I wish Lyons would disappear...he's such a friggin' idiot.
Anyway...as to the Giants, I remember them beating the Pads back in '87 for their first playoff appearance in my memory. This year's playoff berth has nowhere near the excitement. Maybe it's the fact that they've been in the post season 3 out of the last 4 years, maybe the fact they had such a huge lead that this has been "expected" since the All-Star break, or, maybe I feel a little like Bonds in that it's either the WS Champs or nothing. I really hope they can get it done this year. With the age of the team, and the appearance that San Diego may be a challenger next year with their new ballpark, I don't think they'll be an odds on favorite next year.
