Even though the Giants went 2-4 on their last road trip, i was somewhat pleased because they didn't lose any ground.  They were playing in tough venues while the Pads were in LA to face a fading Dodger team and in Arizona against the pathetic Snakes.  So holding serve was just fine by me.

Now there is an even tougher trip.  Philly (with the Giants scheduled to face both Oswalt and Hamels, St. L (hard to say exactly who they face as the Cards have two off days next week :  But they will get Carpenter and I have to think LaRussa will skip his 5th starter.  That will mean they get Wainwright as well) then a very tough Reds team here.  If they can scratch out a 5-4 over that span that would be terrific.  It's the 2-7 possibility that scares me.

The Pads play 4 at Chi, 3 at Mil then home for 3 against the Snakes. Big advantage Pads. I'm just hoping playing in the smaller parks will hurt them a bit.  The Cubs have been playing a little better.  And Milwaukee is always capable of scoring a bunch of runs.

If the Giants can come through this stretch at or near where they are now, they have a real  shot.  The Pads schedule is tougher in Sept.  But the big hope I have is that their pitching (and in particular their bullpen)  tires and falters  down the stretch.  If that happens, the Pads will sink hard.

Of course, winning the division may also require the Giants going at least 5-2 versus the Pads in their last 7.  That may be the tallest order of them all given the history.