THE FALL OF BRETT TOMKO

It was painful to watch what is probably Brett Tomko's last start with the Giants. His performance today was a crystallized example of why the team can no longer tolerate him in the rotation.

He pitched 6.something decent innings, but with no outs allowed the bases to load with three of Cincinnati's best hitters waiting to bat. Felipe Alou relieved him, and we all prayed that the Giants' ho-hum bullpen could save this. Traditionally, they've not been able to. I think I smoked sixteen cigarettes through the rest of the 6th as Jason Christiansen got an out and then Scott Munter got the other two (aided by Omar Vizquel's laser catch at short).

The radio guys noted that Tomko sat in the dugout with his head in his hands. He'd bequeathed to the bullpen a disaster, but they pulled it out and contained the threat (I'm now mopping sweat from my brow).

It's kind of sad. Tomko's a talented pitcher, capable of startling things. He just falls apart around the 6th...you can almost set your clock by it.

At this moment, the Giants lead 3-1, but I'm not holding my breath for a win.