Yesterday, when the San Francisco Giants beat the Chicago Cubs 5-2, I tried to blend tempering expectations with celebrating success. It was a remarkably easy thing to do, given the circumstances: the Giants had won their third straight game in a row, looking exceedingly competent along the way against the NL’s top two teams, yet still possessed a playoff odds number that began with a “0.”

I directed you to not dream, though I can’t say I entirely heeded my own call; when a team plays that well, you can’t help but let your mind wander and your heart wonder.

It’s when that happens that baseball — and the Giants in particular — humble you. Let yourself marinate with the concept of the Giants being a good baseball team that can go on a run and you’ll quickly find out that the bag has a hole

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