30 Copyright 2013, CBSSports.com http://italian415.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/view/31278402 en-us We are heading to the final stretch of the 2011 season, with the Giants struggling and the Diamondbacks surging. A big deal for Carlos Beltran has not paid its dividends yet, but is it too early to put a grade on the deal? Can the Giants do anything else to help spark some offensive outbursts? Where is Brandon Belt!!? Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:20:35 EST http://italian415.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/31278402/32108865?source=rss_blogs_MLB#comments MLB http://italian415.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/31278402/32108865?source=rss_blogs_MLB 9 games left of the 2011 season. It has been a season of celebration for Giants fans, and one of self assurance for the players. But it sure hasn't felt that way the last 2 months.<p></p>I think what happened over the course of 56 years without a Championship, obviously there was a hunger and desire for a Title, but also much like the Red Sox and Cubs fanbases, San Francisco became used to being the Bridesmaid. Because of all the near misses and good but not great, great but not greatest teams, it was such a surprise, and downright shocking to win. I truly think most fans felt that way.<p></p>It took a while for the realization of 2010's magical season to sink in. I still get goosebumps when I think about it, or watch footage from last year. I may be a 28 yr old macho man, but mutiple times during the run I cried like a baby. Cried for my Dad, Grandfathers, Uncle, their friends, former ballplayers, and for the Bay Area itself. There's only a handfull of places that can relate. East Coasters might not want to hear it or believe it, but the Giants mean as much to the city of San Francisco as the Red Sox mean to Boston. As much as the Cubs mean to Chicago. And yes, as much as the Yankees mean to New York. Along with the Phillies and Cardinals, I think that is the handfull of areas that has formed a unique bond between fan, city, and team, all mishmashed into one emotion. And it is hard, nearly impossible, to explain. Its just a feeling. An emotional feeling.<p></p> Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:17:11 EDT http://italian415.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/31278402/32108865?source=rss_blogs_MLB http://italian415.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/31278402/31278495?source=rss_blogs_MLB#comments MLB http://italian415.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/31278402/31278495?source=rss_blogs_MLB Do we really have to wait until September 1st to see Brandon Belt again? I understand that Aubrey Huff is a proven Major Leaguer, and is great for team chemistry, yada yada yada.<p></p>Brandon Belt OBP - 0.3222<p></p>Aubrey Huff OBP - 0.3037<p></p>He gets on base more often. Plain and simple. Belt has a good eye, swings at good pitches, and was only scratching the surface of his potential during his brief stints on the Major club. We know who Huff is. The one year good, one year bad journeyman, for some reason proves true. His 'every other season' approach has reached its boiling point, and down the stretch is not a time to test the water. Mon, 15 Aug 2011 0:30:20 EDT http://italian415.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/31278402/31278495?source=rss_blogs_MLB 100 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/cbsdm/spec/cbssportscom.gif http://italian415.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/view/31278402 100