Things are different around the San Francisco Giants, and not simply because the three-time World Series champions are on pace to lose 100 games for the first time since 1985.
The clubhouse, once populated by outspoken veterans and compelling eccentrics, is quiet to the point of being boring, some with the team say.
And the bullpen, once an unusually close unit that did nearly everything as a group, is adjusting to the distinctive routine of a big-money, free-agent closer for the first time.
Mark Melancon, signed to a four-year, $62 million free-agent contract last offseason, was regarded as an excellent teammate in previous stops with the Pirates and Nationals, and also is well-liked with the Giants.