Are the Giants Blowing Their Opportunity to Win?

The 2026 Rotation is set. Our curmudgeons discuss the signing of Tyler Mahle, the non-signing of Tatsuya Imai, and whether the Giants have enough pitching to succeed in 2026. They also discuss if the Giants are blowing their opportunity to take advantage of the solid core of players they've already assembled.

On the cocktail side of things, Ben is drinking Candlekeep Team while Matthew is drinking an Espresso Martini. Recipes below.

Candlekeep Tea

1. 1 1/2 cups Gin
2. 1/2 cup Orange Liqueur
3. 1/2 cup sweet vermouth
4. 1/2 ounce bitters
5. 12 ounces water
6. 2 orange wheels
7. 4 cloves
8. 1 cinnamon stick
9. 2 tea bags Earl Gray Tea
10. 1/4 cup sugar
11. Bring the water to a boil and remove from heat. Add the sugar, cloves, cinnamon stick, oranges wheels and tea bags and allow to steep for at least 6 minutes. A longer steep will result in stronger flavors. Combine the gin, orange liqueur, vermouth, and bitters in a large heat proof pitcher. Strain the tea mixture through a fine strainer into the pitcher. Stir gently to combine. (Note that final result will be luke warm, you can heat gently on the stove in a large vessel or enjoy as is. Do not add ice as it will overly dilute the cocktail.)

Espresso Martini

1. 2 oz Vodka
2. 1 oz Mr. Black’s Coffee Liqueur
3. 1 oz Espresso (warm or room temp)
4. 1/4 oz Spiced Demerara Syrup
5. 1 Dash Aztec Chocolate Bitters
6. Shake all ingredients with ice. Shake it hard. For about 20 seconds. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with three espresso beans - one for each World Series Championship.