This week on the Sports Leader, the conversation turned to the Giants' bullpen woes, which have been a major storyline all season. The team's inability to close out games in the ninth inning has been a consistent issue. Susan Slusser, a veteran journalist from the San Francisco Chronicle, joined the show to discuss the team's struggles and the impact of recent controversies on the organization.
The Giants have been plagued by a lack of a true closer, and it's not just a matter of one or two bad outings. The team's bullpen has been a weakness all season, and it's hard to see them making a deep playoff run without a reliable ninth-inning arm. Susan Slusser weighed in on the team's decision-making and the potential long-term effects on free agent signings. She also discussed the recent Pride Night controversy and how it may impact the team's ability to attract top talent.
The conversation also touched on the impressive performance of Victor Bericoto, a Venezuelan rookie who has been making waves with his impressive hitting despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his family. Susan shared her thoughts on how the team can balance playing time for Bericoto with other key players like Casey Schmitt.

San Francisco Giants’ Late‑Inning Meltdown PLUS Slusser Breaks Down Bullpen Issues, Larry Baer Controversy, and Bericoto’s Rise
52:46

Giants Bullpen Collapse PLUS Interview with Mike Krukow
37:38

The Rise of Casey Schmitt: Mike Krukow on Development, Adversity, and the Giants’ Tough Stretch
17:02