Giant mistake going for it

Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle wonders aloud if the Giants should play their youth or make a run at the playoffs.

Statistically, the Giants have hit to expectations. They rank 10th in the National League in batting average (.255), 14th in runs (382) and last in home runs (57). In fact, the Phillies' Chase Utley and Ryan Howard alone have combined for 53 homers. The Giants are one of three teams in the majors, along with Toronto and Washington, to have nobody with at least 10.

The pitching has performed below expectations, with an ERA of 4.29 that ranks 10th in the league. The rotation is full of young flame-throwers, which is why the Giants lead the league with 741 strikeouts. But they also are tied for the league lead with 388 walks.

With the Giants at or near the bottom in so many stat categories both offensively and defensively, the answer should be clear: play the youngsters. The Giants may be within striking distance in a weak NL West, but they're 15 games under .500 and just a game better than lowly Colorado. They're also behind not one but two teams in the division, meaning they'll have to play about 15 games over .500 the rest of the way if the Dodgers or the Diamondbacks split their games the rest of the way. Wait 'til next year, San Francisco. Get the kids ready for a legit chance when everyone starts as equals.