SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Giants insist that a fast start won't cement the course of their season. A clean break from the starting gate, however, could allow them to survive a stumble or two later in the year.
Common sense and sheer mathematics suggest that a fraction of the season won't make or break the Giants. Logic and recent events suggest otherwise. This could be a debate in which no theory is right or wrong. It might all come down to the basic truth that each year is different.
Here are the facts:
• Following the 2016 All-Star break, which they entered with the Major Leagues' best record, the Giants have recorded a 94-140 mark, worst in the bigs.