The Giants' next victory will be their 81st, ensuring them at least a .500 finish. That's something they haven't done since 2004. Their four consecutive losing seasons was their darkest period since they had four losing campaigns from 1974-77.
Considering that Bill Neukom's stated goal was to reach .500, does that mean GM Brian Sabean and Manager Bruce Bochy have done enough to earn extensions?
Well, Neukom has pledged for almost a year that he'll make his evaluations after the season. He admires both men, but he hasn't thrown them any hints. And he reiterated his timeline on KNBR the other day.
"We will continue to collect information, and frankly, how we finish this season, finishing strong, is significant," Neukom told the station. "It's not controlling, but it's a pretty important data point, don't you think? We want these last 16 games to be part of the data in assessing where we can go."
Neukom said he'd evaluate Sabean on the basis of "where we think he can take is. It's going to be a somewhat complicated formula. It will have qualitative and quantitative aspects to it."
While we can't be sure, all signs seemingly point to an extension for Sabean, and considering he has enjoyed a very good working relationship with Bochy, the assumption is that the GM would have the power to re-up his field boss.
At least it won't be a drawn-out decision, Neukom said.
"We'll turn to that just as soon as we stop playing baseball," he said. "I hope that's not for weeks and weeks, but as soon as the season is over, that will be at the top of the to-do list."
