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The Giants advanced to the World Series by winning the final three games of the NLCS, resembling what the Marlins did back in 2003.

Lost in the discussion about the Nationals' decision to shut down Stephen Strasburg and Melky Cabrera testing positive for PEDs are how teammates deal with the aftermath.

Pat Burrell had the nickname and a certain swagger. No teammate could reduce major leaguers into jealous green globs of envy like "Pat the Bat."

Only a few years ago, nobody wanted to play in Philadelphia. Now the franchise is a superpower, attracting the best of the best.

Barry Bonds has long been a villain, the taint of his achievements casting a cloud from which he has never been able to escape. With the Giants as champions, the slugger has an opportunity to emerge as an ambassador for the sport.

While Barry Zito and Jose Guillen were left off the Giants' postseason roster, they were probably never given an option, like Doug Glanville, to contribute in a different way.

There is a growing number of young pitchers who are determined to improve their game, even if it means defying conventional wisdom.