The San Francisco Giants entered this homestand riding high. They'd just had a 5-2 road trip following a 5-1 homestand. In game one of this homestand, the Giants pounded the Pirates 14-4. The SF Giants had a golden opportunity to blow past the .500 mark and perhaps never look back. But instead, the Giants went 1-4 in their remaining games at home. Rookies Casey Schmitt and Patrick Bailey cooled off at the plate, with Schmitt in particular establishing himself as way too much of a free swinger. But manager Gabe Kapler hasn't lost faith in either, and sees brighter days ahead.

Thankfully for the Giants, help is on the way. Joc Pederson has missed nearly a month with a bone bruise in his hand. Thairo Estrada has been on the shelf for a week or two. Michael Conforto hasn't been able to start for a few games due to a heel bruise. All three of those players, and possibly Joey Bart as well, could be back in action as the SF Giants begin a three-game series in Denver on Tuesday. At full strength, the SF Giants' lineup should be able to compete with anyone.

Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi joined MLB Network Radio the other day and indicated that the SF Giants intend to be "aggressive" by this year's deadline in order to ensure that the Giants make the playoffs. There's high motivation within the front office to get to October, and the clubhouse believes it belongs as well. Fans should be happy about Zaidi's comments, as they're pining for a winner and Zaidi has a really good track record with his trades.

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The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

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