The San Francisco Giants lost a game on Wednesday by the score of 10-9, and even if all of the runs were distributed in a normal fashion, it still would have been a perfect example of the 2026 season. The loss wasn’t just a show of incompetence; it was a show of incompetence that was so spectacular that it was almost the point. The 2026 Giants are like a “Jackass” bit, where you watch with a hand half-covering your eyes, waiting for them to do a very unexpected and silly thing for yuks. Most of the time they come through. On Wednesday, they outdid themselves.You can read about the sordid details here, but the headline includes the words “Giants blow largest ninth-inning lead in franchise history,” and that covers the most important details. It has the only lede you’ll need about the Giants this year, too:SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants have one of the worst bullpens in the major leagues. Add it to the pantheon. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. Four score and seven years ago. The Giants have one of the worst bullpens in the major leagues.There’s a month left of this. The problems with the Giants’ bullpen won’t be fixed by the end of the season. They might never be fixed, he said, staring into the void.Now consider the contrast between the all-time failure of an ostensibly major-league bullpen and the lineup the Giants fielded that day:
Here’s why the contrast between the Giants’ bullpen and lineup is so startling
It's easier to digest the failings of unproven hitters trying to make their way than it is to watch raw relievers struggle on the big stage.
1,876 words~9 min read
