These days, there’s a certain routine with the flailing Giants. There’s a ritual.
At some point in the afternoon, the lineup card for the day is released, and it features one or two (or three or four) veterans starting, while youngsters at the same positions practice their Big League Chew technique from the dugout.
There’s a Gregor Blanco, where you’d wish to see a Chris Shaw; a Joe Panik where you were seeking an Abiatal Avelino.
This can be upsetting. It’s okay to be upset. I, myself, am frequently upset that the Giants higher-ups allocate so many plate appearances to veterans in a year where postseason hopes have long since faded in the rear view mirror.